Welcome.
The application process for credentials for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season will open in early 2026. No new credentials will be approved until then. Please note that season credentials for Chicago Fire FC first team games at Soldier Field are valid for all Chicago Fire FC II games.
Applications for individual Chicago Fire FC II matches will open two weeks prior to each home match and will close 48 hours prior to each match. Please review the information below before applying for a credential.
Chicago Fire FC Communications will issue credentials to working members of the media representing recognized media outlets in the business of news gathering and sports reporting as a primary function of their business. Media outlets eligible for credentials include:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Wire Services
- Credible Websites
- Sport-Specific Publications
- Television
- Radio
All media credentials are non-transferrable and distributed at the discretion of the Chicago Fire Communications staff. Media members who receive credentials must be on assignment for a reputable media organization. Any freelance photographer or reporter must be able to submit an assignment letter from a news outlet if requested.
Chicago Fire FC may prioritize working media credential requests using the following factors, among others:
- Broadcast partners, including television and radio personnel responsible for live broadcast of Major League Soccer and/or Chicago Fire FC
- Full-time local beat reporters who cover the team on a daily basis for large-scale local print and broadcast outlets, including newspapers, wire services, radio stations and television affiliates
- Full-time radio and television personnel producing reports on Chicago Fire FC matches
- Large-scale national outlets, including national newspapers, magazines, television stations, websites and more
In the case of independent online representatives, Chicago Fire FC will consider media credential applicants who have a history of professional journalism and have an established body of work on a consistent basis. Media credentials will not be issued to independent online media representatives whose websites aggregate content as their main source of information. All credential applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The following will be considered regarding independent online representatives:
- Demonstrates a professional standard and transparency, as determined by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro and Chicago Fire FC
- Established body of work covering Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro and/or Chicago Fire FC, as proven by the amount of regularly produced original content. The Chicago Fire Communications department has the right to request published bodies of work
- Quantifiable weekly and monthly number of unique visitor traffic data based on a recognized and objective measurement company
- As general policy, must be older than 18 years of age
Credentials must be worn and visible at all times during match day. Credentialed media will receive admission to the event and access to media work areas. Misuse of a Chicago Fire FC media credential (ex: accessing areas not available to media or requesting photos with players) will result in the immediate loss of the credential, removal from the media areas and the possible loss of credential privileges for future first team and second team matches.
Training Center Info
Chicago Fire II trains at the Endeavor Health Performance Center in Chicago. Only media members attending first team training sessions on the same day as the second team may be allowed to attend, upon approval by the technical staff. Chicago Fire Communications does not provide recorded interviews, b-roll footage and photography from second team training, but players and coaches may be available for interview upon request. Please contact Carlos Rodriguez (crodriguez@chicagofirefc.com) for more information.