Breaking down the September 2026 schedule for NYCFC: The need for wins | OneFootball

New York City FC is probably happy that August is ending. In all competitions, the team went 1-3-2, with the lone win coming in the Leagues Cup. In Major League Soccer, the team is on a five-match winless streak. There is no question that wins are desperately needed as the Boys in Blue head into September.

It will not be easy, though. NYCFC will play three of the five fixtures at home, but they will also face some tough opponents this month. Plus, playing at home means nothing to the Bronx side. They have a 4-3-3 record, and right now, the team is on the way to having a worse home record than last season. Sure, injuries have had a detrimental effect on the performances, but the argument stands that things should be better for the club.

Wins are a must, but there is no guarantee. Here is a look at NYCFC's schedule for September.

NYCFC's September 2026 schedule

Friday, September 4: NYCFC vs Nashville SC

The most challenging game of the month is the first one. NYCFC will host first-place Nashville SC, who is at the top of the Eastern Conference and currently the runaway for the Supporters' Shield. Then, the Pigeons have already lost to the Music City team this year. Like any sport, the home team could win. However, this is a match that has the potential to be extremely ugly.

Wednesday, September 9: NYCFC vs New England Revolution

NYCFC just faced the New England Revolution, with the two teams playing to a 1-1 draw. It was a good performance, and the Pigeons gained a point thanks to James Sands' goal. Now, they will try to win the home fixture. But while they competed with New England, the team is still a tough opponent, and points could easily be dropped. Meanwhile, this will be the official return of Jack Harrison to the Big Apple, so there will be a small reunion in a way.

Saturday, September 12: NYCFC at Real Salt Lake

The only game in the Western half of the United States this month will be against Real Salt Lake. The teams last faced one another back in 2023, and the Pigeons have a 2-4-1 record against the Western Conference side. With both sides having okay seasons and currently tied on points with 28, it is hard to pinpoint what will happen.

Friday, September 18: NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls

Fans likely have the home Hudson River Derby circled on their calendars. NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls will face one another in an attempt to win the MLS series. The points were shared back in May, but the Pigeons will also want to win the overall series since they won the U.S. Open Cup match. Regardless, this will likely be a highly testy rivalry game, just like always.

Saturday, September 26: NYCFC at Atlanta United FC

Finally, NYCFC will finish September with an away game against Atlanta United FC. The home team sits in 13th place, but has done well as of late, winning three of their last four matches. The Pigeons last won in Georgia back in 2022, so it would be great to secure three points there again. However, as seen recently with Toronto FC, playing a team that is hot can lead to dropped points.