Nashville SC clinch Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs spot with 3–0 win over Chicago Fire FC

Nashville SC has clinched its spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, the club confirmed via Major League Soccer, following a 3–0 home win over Chicago Fire FC on Saturday night. The result ensures the Coyotes remain firmly on track as eight regular-season matches are still to be played.

With eight matches remaining, Nashville leads the Supporters' Shield and the Eastern Conference tables by a sizable margin, sitting on 57 points with a record of 17 wins, 3 losses and 6 draws. The club has also continued its recent momentum after capturing its first-ever trophy last season as the 2025 US Open Cup champions, and it is now aiming for more silverware under head coach B.J. Callaghan.

Nashville’s push for postseason football comes alongside a wider league goal. The team is also chasing the MLS single-season points record of 74, set by Inter Miami CF in 2024. According to MLS, Nashville has made the playoffs in six of seven seasons as a club.

On the field, MLS highlights Nashville’s attacking profile and overall defensive strength. The club’s Designated Player trio has combined for 51 goal contributions, with Sam Surridge among the Golden Boot presented by Audi race, Hany Mukhtar as the club’s leading goal contributor, and Cristian Espinoza adding early impact after an offseason signing. MLS also notes that Nashville has conceded the fewest goals in MLS this season, with 21, and that Andy Najar and goalkeeper Brian Schwake join Mukhtar and Surridge as 2026 MLS All-Stars.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk