It’s been a while since Chicago Fire FC has seen this level of sustained success – 17 years to be exact.
For the first time since 2005-2009, the Fire have made the playoffs in consecutive years. The Chicago Fire will try to build on their success and advance past the opening round for the first time since 2009 when they take on Charlotte FC in Round One of the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
SeatGeek Stadium Demons
Chicago had their best season since 2017, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. That point total matches their 2017 campaign, when they finished third in the Eastern Conference and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Failing to advance past the first round is what the Fire will try to avoid doing against The Crown, although their luck playing at SeatGeek Stadium in the postseason hasn’t been great. With Chicago having home-field advantage, starting the postseason at home and potentially having to close out the series in a pivotal Game Three, their fortunes need to change.
The Fire haven’t won a first-round playoff match in Bridgeport, Illinois, since 2009. They’ve been outscored 9-1 in their last three first-round matchups at SeatGeek Stadium, including being shut out in their last two first-round home games. Those two shutouts mean it’s been 14 years since the Fire scored at home in the first round.
The Fire managed to win their Wild Card match against Orlando City SC last season at SeatGeek Stadium, winning 3-1. However, things went awry in the first round. The Fire were swept by the Philadelphia Union, losing in penalty kicks, 2-2 (4-2 PK) in Game One in Philadelphia before losing 3-0 at home to knock them out.
In the last two regular seasons, SeatGeek Stadium has been a great place for the Fire to play. Chicago went 3-1-1 at the venue in 2025 and 3-2-0 this season, losing their last two matches while playing there. Whether they can change their postseason fortunes at the stadium will be seen on November 22 in Game One.
“There’s less of a feel of home advantage, despite having your own supporters there,” Head Coach Dean Smith said. “The feel of what you normally do and the feeling of walking into your own stadium, it's a little bit different. It's a bit strange, but it is what it is."
Beating Berhalter
What’s on Chicago’s side is Gregg Berhalter. Since the former U.S. Men’s National Team Gaffer took over managerial duties for Chicago at the beginning of the 2025 season, he hasn’t dropped points in four matches against Charlotte FC.
Before Berhalter took over coaching duties of the Fire, The Crown were 5-1-0 against Chicago, with the sole loss coming in Charlotte FC’s first-ever meeting with the club.
Charlotte FC lost 4-1 against the Fire at Bank of America Stadium on May 17, 2025, in a match where Chicago went up 3-0 before The Crown scored. A month later, on June 28, Chicago again went up 3-0 before Pep Biel and Idan Toklomati scored back-to-back goals in the second half before the Fire silenced Charlotte FC again.
This season’s matchups have been lower-scoring, featuring a 2-1 loss and a 1-0 loss. In Robert Lewandowski’s first home match for the Fire on August 1, he scored a brace to overcome Biel’s goal that put Charlotte FC up 1-0 in the 18th minute. The Crown went on an eight-match unbeaten streak before facing the Fire again on September 26.
The match was highlighted by both sides missing players due to the international break and was a low-scoring affair. Johan Gómez scored the lone goal of the contest in the 58th minute. Tyger Smalls thought to have an equalizer a minute later, but he was offside, and the goal was disallowed.
The six points they earned against The Crown this season ultimately made the difference, giving them home-field advantage and leaving them a point ahead of Charlotte FC.
Stopping the Blaze
Lewandowski has drawn much of the spotlight for the Fire since joining the club in July, following a storied European career with clubs like FC Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. Through 19 MLS matches, he has scored nine goals and recorded five assists. He ranks second in the club in goals and is third in goal contributions with 14. He closed out the regular season with a brace in Chicago’s 4-3 loss to the Columbus Crew and has scored three goals in his last two matches, heading into the playoffs with his scoring touch intact.
Maren Haile-Selassie has been Chicago’s most dynamic player, leading the squad in goals and assists (13G+10A). He set a career-best during his four seasons with the Fire in both categories and has helped replace the attacking production of Hugo Cuypers, who left for Liga MX side Monterrey in July. Haile-Selassie started against Charlotte FC in the September 26 match and was left without a goal contribution despite two shots on target. He has been vital to Chicago’s push to finish the season, with seven goal contributions (5G+2A) in the final eight matches.
Philip Zinckernagel completes the attacking trio of Lewandowski and Haile-Selassie and has been the group's primary passer, leading the club with 12 assists. He has also been a goal threat, scoring seven goals this season. Even with the 19 goal contributions, it’s a far cry from what he did last season for the Fire. In Zinckernagel’s debut season with Chicago, he had 30 goal contributions (15G+15A). The Crown’s backline will have its hands full in the first-round matchup against Chicago's attacking trio, where any player can be threatening on their own.
ROUND ONE: CHARLOTTE FC VS CHICAGO FIRE
Quench the Fire. Be here as Charlotte FC takes on Chicago Fire FC for Round One Match 2 of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs on November 28 at 12:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium! The first fans to arrive will receive a limited-edition rally towel gate giveaway presented by Atrium Health.
Limited quantities are available on a first‑come, first‑served basis and aren't guaranteed.
