Allan Saint-Maximin & Charlotte FC face Chicago Fire challenge

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Major League Soccer

·24 September 2026

Allan Saint-Maximin & Charlotte FC face Chicago Fire challenge

By Dylan Butler

Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs implications are at stake when Charlotte FC host Chicago Fire FC for Matchday 28's Walmart Saturday Showdown.

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How to watch & stream

Apple TV

When

Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT

Where

Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte FC

Standings

4th in Eastern Conference
43 points (12W-7L-7D)

Last game

Charlotte extended their unbeaten streak to eight games (5W-0L-3D) via a 2-1 victory at D.C. United.

Star summer signing Allan Saint-Maximin opened his account in style, scoring the match-winner in the 71st minute after Lucas Bartlett canceled out Ashley Westwood's first-half golazo.

Players to watch

Allan Saint-Maximin: The former Newcastle United star has hit the ground running, showcasing his dazzling skill with 1g/5a in eight league matches.
Pep Biel: One of the top No. 10s in MLS, Biel was named an MLS All-Star and has 22 goal contributions (12g/10a) for a second straight season.
Ashley Westwood: Another MLS All-Star, the veteran midfielder and club captain is second on Charlotte with nine assists.
Tim Ream: The US men's national team captain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup anchors the Charlotte backline.

Need to know

How impactful has Saint-Maximin been since joining as a Designated Player in mid-July? Charlotte are undefeated in eight matches, scoring 18 goals in the process.

That's helped head coach Dean Smith's side climb up the Eastern Conference table into a top-four spot, which guarantees home-field advantage in a Round One Best-of-3 Series.

Further, Charlotte have lost just two of their 13 games at Bank of America Stadium this year.

Chicago Fire FC

Standings

5th in Eastern Conference
39 points (11W-8L-6D)

Last game

Chicago fell 3-0 at Supporters' Shield leaders Nashville SC, who clinched this year's first playoff spot as a result.

Nashville's Designated Player trio of Sam Surridge, Cristian Espinoza and Hany Mukhtar all scored, extending Chicago's winless streak to six matches (0W-2L-4D).

Players to watch

Philip Zinckernagel: A two-time MLS All-Star, Zinckernagel (5g/10a) recently inked a new deal that makes him a Designated Player.
Anton Salétros: The veteran Swedish midfielder links Chicago and is an underrated part of their push to return to the postseason.
Maren Haile-Selassie: The Swiss winger has 5g/1a in his last six matches, helping him reach a team-high 16 goal contributions.
Jonathan Bamba: With some key absences in the attack, Chicago need the DP winger and former Ivory Coast international to step up.

Need to know

Chicago have several key absences due to the international window, including legendary Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

The former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich star is away for UEFA Nations League matches and will miss this road trip. He's become the centerpiece of their attack, tallying 6g/2a in 11 league appearances since debuting in July.

With goalkeeper Chris Brady (USA) and midfielder Robin Lod (Finland) also away with their national teams, Chicago's depth will be tested as they look to stay within striking distance of the East's top-four playoff spots and Round One hosting rights.