A Must-Win Battle for Playoff Seeding: Charlotte V Chicago Matchup Preview
Charlotte FC face off against the Chicago Fire this Saturday, in a game that has the potential to determine which team will secure home-field advantage for the first round of the MLS Playoffs. As it stands, Charlotte FC are in fourth place, with 43 points (26 GP) and the Chicago Fire are in fifth place, with 39 points (25 GP). With Chicago's game-in-hand, Charlotte FC cannot afford to drop points in this match, much less at home in Bank of America Stadium. Let's take a look at the matchup....
The Chicago Fire have experienced a resurgence under Manager, Gregg Berhalter. After taking over ahead of the 2025 season, Berhalter ended their eight-year MLS Cup Playoff drought, and he is on pace to match that achievement in 2026. Since returning from the World Cup break, the Chicago Fire hold a record of 3W-4L-4D, not quite matching their early-season form. The team is led by Maren Haile-Selassie (8 Goals) and Philip Zinckernagel (10 Assists), as well as summer-signing, Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona. Lewandowski has already contributed 6 goals and 2 assists in limited matches for the Chicago Fire. Luckily for Charlotte FC, however, they won't have to worry about one of the all-time great forwards this weekend, as he will be representing his nation–Poland–during the international break.
On Charlotte FC's side, they will be missing forward Idan Toklomati and red-hot winger, Liel Abada, who will both be representing Israel. Charlotte FC will feel confident in their recent form heading into this game, however. Since the World Cup break, Charlotte FC hold a record of 6W-1L-4D. Our only loss since the World Cup break came to the Chicago Fire, but something tells me, given our recent form, that we're ready to flip that result this weekend. Star midfielder, Pep Biel, leads the team in both goals (12) and assists (7) this season. And, since joining the club in July, Allan Saint-Maximin has made a tremendous impact on and off the field, bringing exceptional energy and recording one goal and five assists thus far.
Given that this match takes place at home, I fully expect Charlotte FC to run the show; there's no excuse not to. Bottom line: Charlotte are in red-hot form while Chicago are stumbling and missing their key superstar... go take care of business.
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