Chicago Fire take on Liga MX side Club Necaxa in a Phase One matchup of the 2026 Leagues Cup today.
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.Gregg Berhalter's side sits fourth in the Eastern Conference and recently signed legendary striker Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish forward joined the Fire after his contract with Barcelona expired, ending a four-year spell at the club in which he won three La Liga titles.
Since arriving, Lewandowski has already shown the quality he brings to the squad, when he scored a brace in Chicago's 2-1 win over Charlotte.
Ahead of the match, Berhalter said he expects a tactical battle against Necaxa.
"It's a challenge. It will be a tactical challenge that we'll have to step up to; we'll have to see exactly how they're moving forward to press, with what type of numbers, how we can hopefully move their back line and pull them apart a little bit.”
Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images
Necaxa, meanwhile, enters the match following a 3-1 loss to Toluca and has historically struggled on the road. Before that defeat, Martín Varini's side picked up wins over Monterrey and Atlante and currently sits eighth in the Liga MX standings.
Chicago Fire vs. Necaxa Lineups
Chicago Fire:
- Goalkeeper: Brady
- Defenders: Dean, Rogers, Elliott, Gutman
- Midfielders: Oregel Jr., D'Avilla, Saletros, Zinckernagel
- Forwards: Dithejane, Lewandowski
Necaxa:
- Goalkeeper: Jiménez
- Defenders: Martínez, Naves, Oliveros, Zaleta
- Midfielders: Leyva, Faravelli, Torres, Rodriguez, Ruiz
- Forwards: Carranza
How to Watch Chicago Fire vs. Necaxa
The match kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EDT at SeatGeek Stadium in Illinois. Fans in the United States can watch the game live on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass.
