Wait. If you’re looking for a Chicago Fire game today, you might want to double-check the calendar. It’s January 16, 2026. Right now, the "Men in Red" aren't dodging tackles on the Soldier Field grass; they're actually grinding through the first week of preseason training under Gregg Berhalter.
The real action doesn't start until February 21. That’s when the Fire head down to Texas to face the Houston Dynamo for the earliest season opener in the club’s history. Honestly, if you're a fan, this "dead period" in January is actually where the most interesting—and stressful—stuff is happening behind the scenes.
The Berhalter Era Hits High Gear
Gregg Berhalter isn't just the coach anymore. He's the Director of Football. He has total control. This week at training, the vibe is reportedly intense. Berhalter is known for his specific, sometimes rigid, tactical systems. You've probably seen the headlines about his time with the USMNT—people either love his "system" or they think it's too complicated for club football.
But here’s the thing.
Chicago hasn't been a consistent playoff threat in ages. They need a system. Any system. Watching the team prepare for the Chicago Fire game today in a training capacity shows a group trying to find an identity that has been missing for a decade.
New Faces and Big Departures
The roster has been a revolving door lately. Just this week, the club announced they are parting ways with veteran midfielder Kellyn Acosta. That’s a massive move. Acosta was supposed to be the anchor, but Berhalter is clearly clearing cap space for his own vision.
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Who is coming in? Keep an eye on Puso Dithejane.
The Fire just snagged this 21-year-old South African winger from TS Galaxy. He’s fast. Like, "blink and you'll miss him" fast. He’s taking up a U-22 Initiative slot, which basically means the club is betting big on his future sell-on value.
- Puso Dithejane: New winger, waiting on visa clearance.
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Another South African talent expected to shore up the defense.
- Robin Lod: The veteran presence brought in from Minnesota to replace Acosta's leadership.
Why the 2026 Schedule is Totally Different
If you’re planning to attend a Chicago Fire game today or anytime this year, you have to account for the World Cup. Remember, 2026 is the year the World Cup comes to North America. Because of that, the MLS schedule is basically split in two.
The league is taking a massive break from May 25 to July 16.
No games. None.
Soldier Field will be busy with other things, and the players will either be representing their national teams or resting. This means the early part of the season—from the opener in Houston on Feb 21 to the home opener against CF Montréal on Feb 28—is a sprint. If the Fire start slow, they’ll be sitting in the basement of the Eastern Conference for two months while the rest of the world watches the World Cup.
The Soldier Field Factor (For Now)
We have to talk about the stadium. There’s been a lot of chatter about the new stadium at "The 78" site. It’s approved. It’s privately funded by Joe Mansueto. It’s going to be amazing.
But it’s not ready.
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Construction is slated to break ground early this year, but the team is stuck at Soldier Field until at least 2028. Playing on that grass after a Bears game or a massive concert has always been a point of contention for the players. For the Chicago Fire game today, the "pitch" is likely a training facility in Bridgeview or even a warm-weather camp in Florida or Coachella later this month.
What to Expect from the Squad
Let’s be real for a second. The Fire have a history of breaking hearts.
But the 2026 roster actually looks... balanced?
Hugo Cuypers is still the main man up top. He’s a proven goalscorer, but he needs service. That’s where the permanent signing of André Franco comes in. Franco had a huge impact last year before his ACL tear. The bad news? He won’t be back on the field until after the World Cup break in July.
So, for the first half of the season, the Fire are going to have to "grind out" results.
- Defense First: With Chris Brady back to 100% health in goal, the backline has to be sturdier.
- The Lod Factor: Robin Lod is a "coach's player." He does the dirty work that allows the wingers to fly.
- Preseason Form: They’ll be playing friendly matches in the Coachella Valley soon. Watch those scores. They actually matter for chemistry this year.
Actionable Steps for Fire Fans
Since there isn't a Chicago Fire game today in the literal sense, here is how you stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season.
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Secure Your Season Pass: All 2026 matches are on Apple TV again. If you haven't renewed, do it before the Houston game on Feb 21. There are no local blackouts, which is still the best thing about MLS right now.
Watch the Visa Updates: Puso Dithejane and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are the "X-factors." If their visas get caught up in red tape and they miss the first five games, the Fire’s attack will look very thin.
Mark Feb 28 on Your Calendar: That’s the home opener at Soldier Field against Montréal. It’s at 1:30 p.m. CT. It’s going to be cold. It’s Chicago in February. Wear layers, but be there because the atmosphere for the first game of the Berhalter era will be electric.
Check the "The 78" Progress: If you're near the South Loop, keep an eye on the area near Roosevelt and the River. Groundbreaking for the new stadium is a massive milestone for this franchise. It’s the first time the club will truly have a home that they own and control.
The 2026 season is a weird one, but it feels like the first time in a long time that the Fire aren't just making noise—they're actually building something.