Of all the final-day fixtures in the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season, Chicago Fire‘s meeting with Columbus Crew at Soldier Field on Saturday could be one to watch, as a victory could earn the visitors direct qualification for the playoffs. As for the hosts, the focus this weekend will be on maintaining their momentum and avoiding injuries to key players, having already secured their place in the postseason a couple of weeks ago.
Although they have enjoyed more successful seasons in the past, Chicago Fire can be proud of their performance this season, as a win this weekend could see them finish fourth in the overall league standings and third in the Eastern Conference.
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Gregg Berhalter’s side have had to bounce back from difficult spells throughout the campaign but are finishing strongly, with a fine 4-2 victory over Colorado Rapids last time out marking their fifth win in their last eight games.
Columbus are in considerably better form, with a comprehensive 3-0 win over DC United last weekend taking their tally to seven victories from their last eight league games and confirming a top-nine finish in the Eastern Conference.
Laurent Courtois has done a decent job since taking over from Henrik Rydström in May, but his side will need to win on Saturday and hope results elsewhere go their way if they are to secure direct qualification for the first round of the playoffs rather than settle for the wildcard round.
Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Chicago have won just one of the last 10 editions of this fixture, with two ending in draws and Columbus claiming the remaining seven victories.
- The reverse fixture this season ended in a goalless draw in March.
- The Fire have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches and have managed just one in their last 18 across all competitions.
- Columbus have won three of their last four away league games after going winless in their previous eight.
Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew Prediction
Chicago have been slightly better than the visitors in front of goal this season and boast an impressive home record in the league. However, with relatively little at stake for the hosts, there is a possibility that they could become complacent and settle for a draw.
The Crew’s remarkable recent form and dominance in recent meetings between the sides provide a significant boost for the visitors. Given the importance of securing a win on Saturday, Columbus should just edge this one.
Prediction: Chicago Fire 1-2 Columbus Crew
Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Columbus Crew to win
Tip 2 – Goals – Over/Under 2.5 – Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
