Chicago Fire FC clinched a 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs berth Saturday despite a 1-0 loss at New England, with Orlando City’s win over D.C. United securing Chicago’s place.
The Fire are headed to the postseason in consecutive years for the first time since 2008 and 2009. But the night also left Gregg Berhalter’s team with a familiar challenge: turning possession into goals.
How Chicago clinched despite the loss
Chicago entered the weekend with several paths to qualification. Under MLS’s official clinching scenarios, a Fire win or draw would have been enough. A D.C. United loss or draw at Orlando would also secure the berth, regardless of Chicago’s result.
Orlando delivered that outcome with a 4-1 victory. Antoine Griezmann scored twice, while Martín Ojeda and Marco Pašalić also found the net.
Turner keeps the Fire off the scoreboard
Matt Polster scored the only goal in the 26th minute, assisted by Carles Gil and Peyton Miller. Matt Turner made six saves as New England protected its lead at Gillette Stadium.
Chicago finished with a 19-5 advantage in shots, 56% possession and 10 corners to New England’s zero. The club’s official match report lists the Fire at 14-10-6 with 48 points after the defeat.
Those numbers show sustained pressure, but shot volume alone does not establish the quality of the chances. Chicago’s next task is to make that pressure count.
A milestone, with work still ahead
The loss followed Wednesday’s 3-1 home defeat to Philadelphia. Chicago led that match before Jack Elliott’s dismissal left the team a player short, and the Union scored three times after halftime.
Two different games produced the same outcome: no points. Qualification gives supporters something to celebrate, while the remaining schedule gives Berhalter time to address the team’s finishing and response to setbacks.
Next match: Atlanta United
Chicago visits Atlanta United on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. Central. The match airs on Apple TV, with English radio coverage at wlsam.com and Spanish coverage on TUDN Chicago 106.7-HD2 and the Uforia by TREBEL app.
