D.C. United faces Chicago Fire in a crucial playoff chase, both seeking their first postseason appearances since 2019 and 2025 respectively.

D.C. United visits the Chicago Fire in a key matchup as both teams aim to end long playoff droughts, with D.C. seeking its first postseason berth since 2019 and Chicago building on its 2025 playoff return. Both franchises, champions in their inaugural seasons, have shown strong defensive improvements this season—D.C. has allowed just three goals, while Chicago has recorded two consecutive clean sheets after surrendering 60 goals last year. D.C. lost 2-1 to Inter Miami in a road game, prompting manager Rene Weiler to criticize the team’s early schedule and scoring inefficiency. Chicago earned a 0-0 draw with Columbus, with goalkeeper Matt Brady praised for four saves, though the offense managed only eight shots. Key forward Hugo Cuypers is uncertain for the game after missing the previous match. The Fire previously defeated D.C. 7-1 in June 2025.