Match Information
Chicago Fire FC (14-10-6, 48 points) at Atlanta United FC (8-16-6, 30 points)
Saturday, October 24, 2026
6:30 p.m. CT
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta
How to Watch: Apple TV
English: Tony Husband & Ross Smith
Spanish: Pablo Ramírez & Jesús Bracamontes
How to Listen: wlsam.com // TUDN Chicago 106.7-HD2
English: Max Anderson & Joe Chatz
Spanish: Omar Ramos & Teresa Limón
Match Preview
The playoff-bound Chicago Fire FC heads south to face Atlanta United FC on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be transmitted across the globe on Apple TV.
With only a point separating both sides in the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago jumped out to a greater share of possession and chances in a road match against the New England Revolution on Saturday night. The home side cashed in on its first opportunity of the night as midfielder Matt Polster tallied against his old side for the first time in his career. Despite being outshot 19-5, the Revolution held on to a 1-0 win, delaying the Fire’s clinching of a playoff spot by a handful of minutes before other results gave them back-to-back postseason berths for the first time since 2009.
An uneven season for Atlanta United was on display last week with two matches against teams from the opposite end of the standings. The 5-Stripes took a 3-0 victory in Canada against last-place CF Montréal last Wednesday before hosting Inter Miami CF on Saturday. The home side was in control until the very last minute of the first half, when German Berteráme struck to give Miami a 1-0 lead into halftime. The forward then assisted Leo Messi twice before the hour mark to put the match away for good despite a consolation goal by Atlanta forward Fafa Picault. The results left Atlanta in 14th place, but within striking distance of a Wild Card spot in a highly competitive East.
All-Time MLS Regular Season Record vs. ATL: (6-8-4)
Last Match vs. ATL: April 11, 2026 (1-0 W) – Soldier Field – Chicago (Match Recap)
Last Match at ATL: April 26, 2025 (2-2 D) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta (Match Recap)
Hyundai Keys to the Match:
- B.O.B: Maren Haile-Selassie remains red-hot. Philip Zinckernagel is back at the site of his “olimpico.” It'll be Bombs Over the Benz as last year’s goal scorers in Atlanta enter the match in strong form.
- Shakem’ Off: The Fire hit a snag with two losses, but Saturday will offer a chance to shakem’ off and get hot as the postseason looms.
- Knuck If You Buck: It’s always a brawl for the Fire in Atlanta and Saturday will be no different, as the 5-Stripes hope to stay afloat in the playoff picture. But Chicago will be knuckin' and buckin' and ready to fight for three points.
Match Notes
- Chicago currently enjoys a four-game unbeaten streak against Atlanta, including a 1-0 win at Soldier Field this season. The Fire have yet to win in Atlanta since the club’s inaugural 2017 season but took a point home last year for the first time.
- Winger Maren Haile-Selassie leads Chicago with 21 goal contributions this season while also leading both teams in the same category among current players. Haile-Selassie has three goals and two assists in six matches against the 5-Stripes, including the game-winning goal in the 1-0 victory on April 11 at Soldier Field.
- With playoff qualification complete, the Fire’s seek their first win in Atlanta, which would also match last season’s total of 15 victories. It will mark the first time since 2001 that Chicago enjoys back-to-back 15-win seasons, as well as back-to-back 50-point campaigns.
- The Men in Red have 52 goals through 30 matches in 2026, their ninth season of 50 or more goals in Club history. Having clinched back-to-back 50+ goal seasons for the first time since 2001, Chicago can clinch back-to-back 60+ goal campaigns for the first time in Club history with eight goals in the remaining four games of 2026.
- Defenders Jack Elliott (Suspended) and Sam Rogers (Lower Body), and midfielders André Franco (Lower Body) and Robin Lod (Lower Body) will not be available against Atlanta.
Starting XI
Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter will name a Starting XI approximately one hour before first kick in Atlanta.
For instant updates, follow Chicago Fire FC on X (@chicagofire and @VamosFire using hashtags #cf97), Instagram (@chicagofire), TikTok (@chicagofire), Facebook at facebook.com/chicagofire/, Threads (@chicagofire) and Bluesky (@chicagofire.bsky.social).
