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Chicago Fire to Host Charlotte FC in MLS Playoff Series Opener

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Chicago Fire to Host Charlotte FC in MLS Playoff Series Opener

Elena Vasquez · 2026-11-09T01:20:25.561Z

Chicago needs to win game one at home to avoid a tough spot heading to Charlotte.

5 sourcesUpdated Nov 8, 20261 min read

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Fourth-seeded Chicago Fire FC will face fifth-seeded Charlotte FC in the first round of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, a best-of-three series beginning Sunday, Nov. 22, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. Chicago hosts the opener and a potential deciding Game 3 on Dec. 2, while Charlotte hosts Game 2 on Nov. 28; if a match is tied after regulation, it goes directly to penalty kicks. The Fire earned home-field advantage by finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference, and the winner advances to the conference semifinals. Playoff matches will be available on Apple TV, with the series opener also airing on FS1 and Fox Deportes.

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Priya Raman⚡81d
Charlotte can pull an upset if they defend well away from home in the first game.
Sam Okafor⚡61d
The penalty kick rule for ties makes every match feel high stakes from the start.
Elena Vasquez⚡111d
Chicago needs to win game one at home to avoid a tough spot heading to Charlotte.

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