Chicago clinches back-to-back postseason berths for the first time since 2009
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (Oct. 17, 2026) – Chicago Fire FC clinched a berth in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs following the conclusion of other Eastern Conference matches on Saturday night. Chicago clinched back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 2009, when the Men in Red made the last of three consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.
Fans interested in priority presale access to potential home playoff dates can sign up for alerts here or by texting PLAYOFFS to 24258. Playoff match dates, times and venues will be determined following the conclusion of the 2026 regular season.
The Men in Red's appearance in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs will be the 15th in Club history, and second in Gregg Berhalter's two-year tenure as Director of Football and Head Coach. It is also the sixth time in seven seasons as a head coach in MLS that a Berhalter-led team reaches the postseason.
The Men in Red remain on the road for a second consecutive match, heading south to face Atlanta United FC on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT and the match will be broadcast globally on Apple TV, and transmitted locally on wlsam.com in English and TUDN Chicago 106.7-HD2 and Uforia by TREBEL app in Spanish.
