As the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs erupt on October 26, Philadelphia Union, the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed with a record-shattering 72 points from 20 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, hosts Chicago Fire FC in Game 1 of their Best-of-3 Round One series at Subaru Park. The Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire this Sunday in Game 1 of their Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Round One Best-of-Three Series.
The Boys in Blue wrapped up a remarkable regular season with a 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC last weekend, but they face some injury issues. Quinn Sullivan is out for the season with an ACL tear (expected back mid-November), Ian Glavinovich has been sidelined since August with a season-ending injury, and Jack Rafanello is dealing with a hamstring issue (expected return in early November). Additionally, Andre Blake is questionable due to a minor knock.
Chicago, the scrappy No. 8 seed securing a Wild Card spot with 45 points (12-9-13), shocked FC Cincinnati 3-2 in their finale but enter the playoffs hampered by the absence of key midfielder André Franco (torn ACL, out for the season) and defender Carlos Terán (serious upper leg injury, out indefinitely), along with Leonardo Barroso (muscle issue, questionable).
Hugo Cuypers’ late heroics (14 goals) fuel the Fire’s underdog fire, but Jim Curtin’s Union—boasting the league’s stingiest defense (24 goals conceded) – eyes a statement win to launch their title quest.
Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire FC – 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Round One’s opener pits Philadelphia’s fortress mentality against Chicago’s playoff desperation in a series that could hinge on set pieces and counters. The action ignites on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 5:30 PM ET (2:30 PM PT) at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. USA, Canada, and Australian fans, it’s evening prime time—settle in for playoff intensity.
Predictions lean to a Philadelphia Union 2-0 win, underscoring the hosts’ home dominance (12-2-3, 1.8 goals scored per game) and Chicago’s road struggles (4-6-7, 1.2 conceded away). This Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire FC preview examines team tactics, live streams, and statistics for your MLS playoffs deep dive.
- Date and Time – Sunday, Oct. 26 | 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT
- Stadium – Subaru Park | Chester, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Union
- Standings: Eastern Conference No. 1
- Regular season: 66 points (20W-8L-6D)
- Chicago Fire FC
- Standings: Eastern Conference No. 8
- Regular season: 53 points (15W-11L-8D)
Team News and Analysis
Philadelphia Union’s juggernaut season—topping the East by 10 points—relies on defensive steel, but injuries test depth in the postseason spotlight. Confirmed absences: Quinn Sullivan (ACL, mid-November), Ian Glavinovich (season-ending), and Jack Rafanello (hamstring, early November).
Goalkeeper Andre Blake (knock) is expected to shake off a minor issue, with Tai Baribo (15 goals) and Mikael Uhre (12 goals) leading the attack. Midfield pivots to José Martínez and Jack McGlynn for control, while Jakob Glesnes anchors the backline. Curtin may unleash Dániel Gazdag’s creativity (10 assists) from the No. 10 role.
Chicago Fire’s Wild Card surge masked inconsistencies (winless in five before the finale), but Frank Klopas’ side showed bite with a late rally. Key outs: André Franco (ACL, season-ending), Carlos Terán (upper leg, out), and Leonardo Barroso (muscle, doubtful).
Chase Gasper returns from a September knock to fortify left-back, with Hugo Cuypers (14 goals) and Brian Gutiérrez (8 goals, 9 assists) driving the front. Xherdan Shaqiri’s vision remains pivotal, but the defense – leakiest in the playoffs (48 conceded) – is vulnerable to the Union’s press.
Analysis: Union’s 55% possession and league-best counter-press (18 forced turnovers per game) should suffocate Chicago’s transitions, but the Fire’s set-piece threat (22% goals) tests Philly’s aerial game.
Expect a controlled affair with the hosts edging via second-half subs, though Chicago’s nothing-to-lose ethos adds upset potential.
Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire Head-to-Head Record
Philadelphia leads with 19 wins out of 42 MLS matchups against Chicago’s 13, along with 10 draws. The Union has taken four of the last six, including a 3-1 victory at home in July 2025. With matches averaging 3.08 goals, they offer a mix of excitement and defensive slips—perfect for playoff drama.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | Philadelphia 3-1 Chicago | 3-1 |
| Mar 16, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | Chicago 0-2 Philadelphia | 0-2 |
| Oct 7, 2024 | MLS Regular Season | Philadelphia 2-1 Chicago | 2-1 |
| Jun 29, 2024 | MLS Regular Season | Chicago 2-2 Philadelphia | 2-2 |
| Sep 3, 2023 | MLS Regular Season | Philadelphia 3-0 Chicago | 3-0 |
Recent form based on the last 5 fixtures
- Philadelphia Union: 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 defeats
- Chicago Fire: 3 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeats
Subaru Park proves a Union stronghold (10-3-4 vs. Chicago), heightening the stakes for this 2025 playoff opener.
Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire Predicted XI Lineups
Philadelphia Union Starting Lineup (4-3-3):
Blake; Wagner, Glesnes, Elliott, Harriel; McGlynn, Martínez, Gazdag; Uhre, Baribo, Donovan.
Chicago Fire FC Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Brady; Dean, Czichos, Gutman, Gasper; Acosta, Shaqiri; Gutiérrez, Herbers, Haile-Selassie; Cuypers.
Lineups per Curtin and Klopas’ Saturday updates: Philly sticks to their fluid front three, while Chicago deploys Shaqiri deeper for balance sans Franco. Bench options like Carranza (Union) and Pryzbylo (Fire) for tactical shifts.
Key Players
- Philadelphia Union: Tai Baribo – The Israeli forward’s clinical finishing (15 goals, 0.7 xG per game) exploits Chicago’s porous backline; his hold-up links Philly’s press to lethal breaks.
- Chicago Fire FC: Hugo Cuypers – The Belgian’s poaching instinct (14 goals) thrives in chaos; watch his movement off Shaqiri’s deliveries to test Union’s high line.
Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire Match Prediction
Philadelphia’s playoff pedigree and home aura overpower Chicago’s pluck in a disciplined opener, securing a series cushion with defensive mastery. The Fire fight but falter late. Predicted score: Philadelphia Union 2-0 Chicago Fire FC. A shutout underscores Union’s form, setting up a tense Game 2.
Where to Watch Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire MLS Cup Playoffs
Stream Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire FC live with these MLS playoffs guides, honed for global audiences:
- USA: Exclusive on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass; also FuboTV, starts 5:30 PM ET.
- Canada: Apple TV, MLS Season Pass, or DAZN Canada. 5:30 PM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Apple TV MLS Season Pass. Begins 8:30 AM AEDT (Monday, October 27).
- Europe: Apple TV MLS Season Pass; Sky Sports for highlights. Local: beIN Sports (France/Spain), Viaplay (Nordics).
Highlights flash on the MLS app immediately after. ExpressVPN conquers geo-barriers. DOOP or CF97—embrace the playoff roar!