How to watch Monterrey vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire will be available live exclusively on Apple TV in the United States. There is no separate U.S. cable TV channel listed for this particular quarterfinal.

Can I watch Monterrey vs Chicago Fire for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire through a 7-day free trial. The platform’s current U.S. offer provides seven days free before the subscription changes to $12.99 per month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire is one of four Leagues Cup 2026 quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to the semifinals on September 1 or 2. The tournament brings together clubs from MLS and Liga MX, and the quarterfinal stage guarantees MLS-vs.-Liga MX matchups.

The three best finishers in the competition will also earn places in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding an important continental incentive beyond the Leagues Cup trophy itself.

Chicago Fire earned home-field advantage after a perfect Phase One campaign. The MLS club collected nine points from three games, beating Necaxa, Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul at SeatGeek Stadium. Chicago’s final qualification was sealed with a 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul, with Puso Dithejane scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute.

Monterrey reached the knockout stage after collecting six points in Phase One. Rayados lost 2-1 to Orlando City in their opening match before responding with victories over Inter Miami and Nashville SC. Against Nashville, Hugo Cuypers scored in stoppage time to complete a 2-1 comeback and put Monterrey into the quarterfinals.

Monterrey vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

Monterrey (4-2-3-1): Luis Cardenas; Gerardo Arteaga, Jorge Rodriguez, Victor Guzman, Ricardo Chavez; Orbelin Pineda, Fidel Ambriz; Lucas Ocampos, Jesus Corona, Diego Rossi; Hugo Cuypers.

Chicago Fire (4-3-3): Chris Brady; Viktor Radojevic, Joel Waterman, Sam Rogers, Leonardo Barroso; Maren Haile-Selassie, Mauricio Pineda, Sam Williams; Jonathan Bamba, Robert Lewandowski, Philip Zinckernagel.

What time is the Monterrey vs Chicago Fire match?

The Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire match kicks off on Tuesday, August 25, at 8:30 PM ET. The quarterfinal will be played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, with the local kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM CT.

• Eastern Time: 8:30 PM
• Central Time: 7:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:30 PM

How to watch Orlando City vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire will be available to watch live on Apple TV in the United States. The match is part of the 2026 MLS regular season, and Apple TV is the exclusive home for the league’s matches this season, with no blackouts.

Can I watch Orlando City vs Chicago Fire for free?

Yes, eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire through a seven-day free trial. Apple’s official MLS page currently advertises 7 days free, then $12.99 per month for new subscribers in the United States.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Orlando City and Chicago Fire meet in a matchup with important Eastern Conference playoff implications. Chicago enter the game in third place with 32 points from 18 matches, while Orlando sit 10th with 21 points from 19 games. The Fire can strengthen their position near the top of the conference, whereas Orlando need a result to close the gap on the playoff places.

The game also brings one of the most intriguing individual battles in the 2026 MLS season. Antoine Griezmann and Robert Lewandowski, two of the biggest European stars to arrive in MLS this year, will face each other for the first time in league play. Griezmann has already scored for Orlando since joining the club, while Lewandowski arrived in Chicago after an extraordinary European career with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

For Orlando, the priority is to turn their attacking talent into a more consistent run of results. The Lions have 21 points from 19 matches, with Martin Ojeda leading the team with 11 goals. However, their defensive record has been a major concern, with Orlando having conceded 48 goals, one of the highest totals in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago arrive in considerably better shape in the standings, with 10 wins in 18 MLS matches and a positive goal difference. The Fire have also benefited from the arrival of Lewandowski, who adds another proven finisher to an attack already featuring Philip Zinckernagel, who leads the team with five goals and 40 chances created.

Orlando City vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

Orlando City (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crepeau; Bernardo Rhein, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Griffin Dorsey; Luis Otavio, Joran Gerbet; Tyrese Spicer, Antoine Griezmann, Ivan Angulo; Justin Ellis.

Chicago Fire (4-2-3-1): Chris Brady; Andrew Gutman, Jack Elliott, Sam Rogers, Leonardo Barroso; Cheick Doucoure, Besard Sabovic; Maren Haile-Selassie, Robin Lod, Philip Zinckernagel; Robert Lewandowski.

What time is the Orlando City vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:30 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire will be available to stream live in the United States through Apple TV. The 2026 Leagues Cup is available through the app, with every tournament match offered live and on demand.

Can I watch Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire during the service’s 7-day free trial. Apple currently advertises a seven-day free trial for the platform before the regular monthly subscription price applies.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire is the final match of Phase One for both clubs, making the August 13 meeting particularly important in the race for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. The 2026 competition features 36 teams with each club playing three matches against opponents from the other league.

Both teams enter the match unbeaten and with six points from their first two games. Cruz Azul opened its campaign with a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union, with Jose Paradela scoring early, before defeating New York City FC 2-1 on August 9. Agustin Palavecino and Paradela scored for La Maquina in that second win.

Chicago Fire have also won both of their Phase One matches. The MLS side defeated Club Necaxa 2-0 in its opener and then rallied from behind to beat Santos Laguna 3-1 on August 9. Robert Lewandowski scored the third goal against Santos, giving him three goals in his first three appearances for the Fire.

Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (4-1-3-2): Kevin Mier; Omar Campos, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Jesus Orozco; Erik Lira; Carlos Rodriguez, Agustin Palavecino, Jeremy Marquez; Gabriel Fernandez, Jose Paradela.

Chicago Fire (4-3-3): Chris Brady; Viktor Radojevic, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Leonardo Barroso; Anton Saletros, Mauricio Pineda, David Turdean; Maren Haile-Selassie, Robert Lewandowski, Jonathan Bamba.

What time is the Cruz Azul vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off on Thursday, August 13, at 9:00 PM ET. The game will be played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, where the listed local kickoff time is 8:00 PM Central Time.

• Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
• Central Time: 8:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 6:00 PM

Lionel Messi’s first MLS goal came on August 26, 2023, against the New York Red Bulls in his first league match. Messi started on the bench, entering in the 60th minute and taking just 29 minutes to find the back of the net, scoring the final 2-0 goal in the 89th minute of play.

Messi scored his first official goal for Inter Miami on July 21, 2023, in a Leagues Cup fixture against Cruz Azul. In that historic debut, the Argentine star came off the bench in the 54th minute and needed just 40 minutes on the pitch to score a spectacular free-kick winner in the 90+4th minute, giving the team a 2-1 victory.

Lewandowski’s first goal with the Chicago Fire

In the 20th minute of the first half, the Chicago Fire reacted quickly to level the score momentarily. Following a headed assist from Philip Zinckernagel, Robert Lewandowski controlled the ball outside the box and unleashed a precise right-footed low shot directly inside the opponent’s left post.

The Polish striker’s goal marked his first official strike in American competition, shifting the dynamics of the match played in Chicago. He is already starting to make his presence felt, setting up what could be an exciting scoring race against Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez, who also started the season on fire.

Lewandowski’s brace

In the 23rd minute of the second half, the Chicago Fire turned the score around through a team move that finished in the back of the net. After receiving a precise assist from Robin Lod, Lewandowski connected with a low right-footed shot from the center of the box, placing the ball next to the opponent’s left post. That gave Chicago the 2-1 win over Charlotte.

For Lionel Messi, his first brace in an Inter Miami jersey occurred on July 25, 2023, during a 4-0 victory against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup group stage. In just his second match with the club and his first start, La Pulga needed only 22 minutes to score two goals.

How to watch New York City vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch New York City vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With plenty at stake in the Eastern Conference standings, Chicago Fire and New York City FC are set for a pivotal showdown.

Chicago enters the matchup looking to keep pace with the conference leaders, while NYCFC is aiming to strengthen its grip on a playoff spot after an inconsistent stretch.

A victory would provide a significant boost for either side, but a defeat could prove costly as the postseason race tightens, setting the stage for an intense battle from kickoff to the final whistle.

New York City vs Chicago Fire: Predicted Lineups

New York City (4-2-3-1): Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, Kevin O’Toole; Keaton Parks, Andrés Perea; Julián Fernández, Maxi Moralez, Hannes Wolf; Alonso Martínez.

Chicago Fire (4-2-3-1): Chris Brady; Allan Arigoni, Carlos Terán, Rafael Czichos, Andrew Gutman; Kellyn Acosta, Federico Navarro; Maren Haile-Selassie, Brian Gutiérrez, Jonathan Bamba; Hugo Cuypers.

What time is the New York City vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 25, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire in the USA

Apple TV will be the exclusive home for fans eager to watch this marquee showdown live from beginning to end.

This matchup will stream live only on Apple TV, where exclusive coverage brings every moment from kickoff to the final whistle.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire for free?

Viewers across the United States can watch this match live on Apple TV, which is offering a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

The offer lets viewers enjoy the match at no initial cost before deciding whether to continue with a subscription after the free trial ends.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A key Eastern Conference showdown is on tap as Inter Miami meets the Chicago Fire in a match with major playoff implications.

In a strong first half of the campaign led by Lionel Messi, Miami remained among the MLS elite to sit five points behind conference-leading Nashville SC. However, Lionel Messi won’t be playing against Chicago today, as he’s getting time to rest after making it all the way to the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina.

Chicago, third in the East with 26 points, has the opportunity to close the gap on both Nashville (33) and Miami (31) with a statement victory on the road. All eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to make his MLS debut with Chicago today.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire match?

The match kicks off today, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Anticipation for Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut has reached a fever pitch, as the Polish striker is expected to take the pitch for the Chicago Fire today against Inter Miami. However, fans will likely miss out on an iconic marquee showdown against Lionel Messi, who isn’t playing against Chicago today.

Chicago manager Gregg Berhalter is expected to insert his star signing immediately into the matchday squad tonight against Inter Miami, having publicly praised Lewandowski’s relentless work rate and leadership during pre-match press conferences.

Lewandowski completed his landmark move from FC Barcelona, after Poland missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Polish goal-scoring legend arrives in MLS as one of European soccer’s elite talents aiming to cement his legacy in North America.

Lewandowski’s MLS debut was postponed

Lewandowski was originally slated to make his Fire debut last Thursday at home against Thomas Muller and the Vancouver Whitecaps, but the matchup was postponed due to external conditions.

As a result, speculation regarding his fitness and integration has only grown. Having fully traveled with the team to Florida, Lewandowski looks primed to show Major League Soccer that he remains a dominant attacking force.

Projected lineup for Chicago Fire with Lewandowski on it

Berhalter acknowledged the formidable challenge Inter Miami presents on their home pitch, but he is expected to deploy his most potent attacking options, including Lewandowski.

Chicago Fire’s projected lineup:

• Goalkeeper
  • Chris Brady (#1)
• Defenders
  • Jonathan Dean (#24)
  • Jack Elliott (#3)
  • Sam Rogers (#5)
  • Andrew Gutman (#15)
• Midfielders
  • Philip Zinckernagel (#11)
  • Mauricio Pineda (#22)
  • Anton Saletros (#6)
  • Maren Haile-Selassie (#7)
• Forwards
  • Robin Lod (#17)
  • Robert Lewandowski (#9)

Lionel Messi has been ruled out for tonight’s match with Inter Miami as he begins a mandatory 21-day rest period following his heavy workload with the national team. After logging grueling minutes in North America, the mandatory break is essential to ensure the Argentine icon is fully recovered for the stretch run of the MLS regular season.

Messi’s rest period will also force him to miss the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29. However, because his absence stems from international duty rest protocol, he has been officially cleared by the league and will avoid any disciplinary sanctions or mandatory single-game suspensions usually applied to All-Star scratches.

While the captain recovers, head coach Guillermo Hoyos’ squad will lean on the rest of its core lineup against Chicago Fire, as the Herons continue their push to lock down a top-three playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is expected to play for Chicago today in his MLS debut.

When could Messi return for Inter Miami?

Messi is tentatively targeted to make his return on August 5 when Inter Miami open their Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis. His exact return date will ultimately depend on how quickly he regains match fitness following his intense international workload.

Messi is set to miss at least three MLS regular-season fixtures: tonight’s home match against Chicago, a road trip to CF Montreal on July 25, and an August 1 showdown against the Columbus Crew.

Even while resting, Messi continues to grab headlines: FIFA recently nominated his quarterfinal strike as a candidate for Goal of the Tournament, while his team is ready with Luis Suarez in the lead to play against Chicago.

“You know, I have a lot of respect for Inter Miami,” Berhalter said in response to Bolavip during his Monday press conference. “They have a great squad, they’ll most likely be missing a couple players in (Lionel) Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, although you never know with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, I wouldn’t be surprised if they somehow played in the game.“

Messi and De Paul are among the Argentine players who didn’t fly back to Buenos Aires after the World Cup final, in which a 10-man Albiceleste side lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time.

However, neither of them is expected to return to club action soon. Messi went back to his native Rosario to rest and spend time with his family after a grueling World Cup run, whereas De Paul’s immediate plans remain unknown.

Lewandowski expected to make MLS debut with Chicago in Miami

Despite Berhalter’s cautious approach, Messi and De Paul are most likely to miss Inter Miami’s first games after the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lewandowski is expected to make his MLS debut for Chicago in Miami.

“We’ll see on Wednesday how long he can play,” Berhalter said of the Pole superstar, who arrived in the Windy City as a free agent after his contract with FC Barcelona expired.

Asked by Bolavip if Lewandowski’s arrival puts Chicago on the same level or at least closer to the defending MLS Cup champions, Berhalter said Wednesday’s game could be a good measuring stick, even if Messi and De Paul don’t play.

“Well, we’re going to see on Wednesday night where we are, right?” Berhalter said. “But for us, we just want to keep getting better. One thing I can tell you about Robert is, (he has a) tremendous work rate. When you think about a guy coming into the team who was jet lagged all last week, and he’s pushing the guys in training. We’re doing fitness stuff, he’s pushing that, he’s doing extra work.

“So you can see why he’s been a pro, and you can see why he’s scored more goals than anyone in Europe in the last 15 years, because he’s an absolute pro on the field and in the training sessions. He’s been high quality, scoring goals, and he looks like a great player.”

Kickoff between Inter Miami (9-4-2, second in the East with 31 points in 15 games) and Chicago Fire (8-2-4, third with 26 points in 14 games) is set for Wednesday, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET) at Nu Stadium in Miami.

With confirmation of the Fire and Whitecaps’ game suspension, the question around whether Lewandowski would play for Chicago today has been answered. Unfortunately, it’s the worst possible answer. Not only will Lewandowski not play, but the match won’t even be held at Soldier Field, where the Fire are set to play until their new home, McDonald’s Park, opens in 2028.

The league was counting on this match going ahead, as it was one of the marquee fixtures scheduled to resume the 2026 MLS season before the World Cup came to an end. Lewandowski was set to face former Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Muller.

Moreover, Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter was set to take on Vancouver, where his son and USMNT World Cup representative, Sebastian Berhalter, plays. There was plenty on the line, but because of an external factor, the match has been called off until further notice.

Lewandowski has new date for MLS debut

With the Fire’s game against the Whitecaps pushed back to Oct. 8, Lewandowski will have more time to settle into life in Chicago and now has a new date for his MLS debut. Most likely, Lewandowski will don the Men in Red’s colors for the first time on July 22, when Chicago travels to Florida to take on Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

Lewandowski won’t meet Lionel Messi, however, as the Argentine will play in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 before heading into a well-deserved break and eventually returning to club action.

Why was the game suspended?

According to the BBC, there are more than 800 active wildfires in Canada, many of which are sending smoke deep into the U.S. Midwest and severely affecting air quality. The orange haze knows little of passports or border controls, but it has disrupted life in both countries. In a cruel twist of irony, the Fire’s match against a Canadian team has been postponed because of wildfires in Canada.

According to The New York Times, Chicago’s Air Quality Index has reached the two worst categories: Very Unhealthy and Hazardous. As the fires continue to spread uncontrollably, the city has closed public beaches and pools while also canceling all outdoor activities that cannot be held in an enclosed, controlled environment.

Chicago Fire’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field falls squarely into that category, and not even the arrival of one of the greatest strikers in soccer history, Robert Lewandowski, changes what comes first: the health and safety of the players, fans, and stadium staff.

Lewandowski was expected to make his MLS debut for the Chicago Fire today, after completing his high-profile transfer as a free agent after playing for FC Barcelona. But the Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps match has been postponed due to unsafe air quality in Chicago, postponing Lewandowski’s first game in the Windy City. The Chicago Fire later announced that the game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 6.

Lewandowski, who sat out the 2026 World Cup, has utilized the break to settle in with Chicago and prepare for the next chapter of his storied career. He arrives in MLS looking to make an immediate impact and challenge fellow global icon Lionel Messi, who recently sent waves through the soccer world with a post-match message following Argentina’s dramatic semifinal victory over England in the World Cup.

Following months of intense transfer rumors linking him to various clubs worldwide, Lewandowski ultimately chose the United States. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of European legends like David Beckham and Thierry Henry, who made the leap across the Atlantic after conquering Europe.

Lewandowski vs. Muller: Familiar foes reconnect

If both are fit on October 6, former Bayern Munich teammates Lewandowski and Thomas Muller would go head-to-head on opposite sides of the pitch.

The two forwards spent eight highly successful seasons together in Germany, sharing the pitch 333 times while claiming eight Bundesliga titles and lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2020. Tonight, that storied partnership is put on hold as they battle for three crucial points.