The Philadelphia Union (No. 1) will aim to carry their red-hot form into the postseason when they welcome Chicago Fire FC (No. 8) to Subaru Park on Sunday for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Round One Best-of-3 series.

Fresh off clinching the Supporters’ Shield, the Union enter the playoffs buzzing with belief, determined to finally add an MLS Cup to their trophy cabinet. Few predicted such a season when Bradley Carnell took over the reins, but the South African tactician has silenced the doubters with an exceptional campaign that earned him a nomination for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award.

Carnell’s men not only topped the East but also racked up the second-most points in a single MLS regular season in U.S. soccer history. Subaru Park has been their fortress—losing just once in 17 home league matches, and they have already done the double over Chicago this year, outscoring them 5-0 across both fixtures.

For the visitors, Gregg Berhalter will be hoping his side’s impressive attacking record—68 goals, second-most in MLS—can finally unlock the Union defense that stifled them twice last season. The Fire are back in the postseason for the first time since 2017, buoyed by a six-game unbeaten streak capped with a confident 3-1 Wild Card win over Orlando City.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.

How to watch Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire FC online – TV channels & live streams

In the United States (US) and worldwide, the MLS match between Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire will be available to watch and stream online live on Apple TV, through the MLS Season Pass.

Check out GOAL’s Live Match Centre for updates.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL‘s guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.

Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire FC kick-off time

The MLS match between Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire will be played at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, United States.

It will kick off at 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT on Sunday, October 26, in the US.

Team news & squadsInjuries and Suspended playersPhiladelphia Union team news

The Union do, however, have a few injury headaches. Quinn Sullivan (cruciate ligament), Jeremy Rafanello (hamstring), and Ian Glavinovich (knee) are all sidelined. 

Carnell will rely heavily on the rock-solid center-back duo of Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya, whose partnership has been key to their elite defensive record. 

Up front, Tai Boribo continues to be the main man with 17 goals in 32 appearances, while the midfield engine of Jovan Lukic, Indiana Vassilev, and Danley Jean Jacques keeps the team ticking.

Chicago Fire FC team news

Chicago, meanwhile, have their own fitness concerns with Andre Franco, Leonardo Barroso, Viktor Radojevic, and Chris Mueller all ruled out. Even so, Berhalter’s men carry plenty of firepower. 

Philip Zinckernagel, a contender for MLS Newcomer of the Year, has been electric with 16 goals and 13 assists, while lethal striker Hugo Cuypers—fresh off a midweek brace—has found the net 21 times this season. Local favorite Brian Gutierrez adds another dimension to the Fire attack with his creativity and 11-goal tally.

Form

Goal Scored (Conceded)
9/5
Games over 2.5 goals
2/5
Both teams scored
1/5
Goal Scored (Conceded)
14/8
Games over 2.5 goals
4/5
Both teams scored
4/5

Head-to-Head Record

Games over 2.5 goals
4/5
Both teams scored
3/5

StandingsUseful links