FC Cincinnati is set to face Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The team currently stands at 2nd in Major League Soccer, with 65 points from 34 games, and a recent form of WWDWW.

What's at Stake?

The renewal of the “Hell is Real” derby rivalry is almost here. FC Cincinnati hosts the Columbus Crew in Game 1 of their best-of-three Major League Soccer playoff series on Oct. 27 at TQL Stadium. Cincy is the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, while Columbus is No. 7.

How Do the Teams Match Up?

FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said, “We get a chance to enter the playoffs as a two seed and being in front of our fans for the first game we play.” The team will play a best-of-three series, starting Oct. 27 at TQL Stadium. They play Game 2 in Columbus on Nov. 2, then a deciding third game on Nov. 8 at TQL, if necessary. Each game will be separate and finish with a winner. If the teams are tied after 90 minutes, they will go directly to a penalty-kick shootout with no extra time.

Key Players and Statistics

Columbus has struggled at times this year, and has dipped from last year’s club-record 66 points. But their 54 points would have finished fourth in the East last year and is tied for their fourth-most in club history. FC Cincinnati has one of the best records when scoring first, 19-1-3, accounting for all but one of their wins this season. However, two of the four exceptions when scoring first came against their in-state derby rivals, as the Crew won that stat in their two regular-season meetings. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League Standing | 2nd in Major League Soccer | | Points | 65 | | Recent Form | WWDWW |

Upcoming Fixtures

FC Cincinnati's next fixture is against New York City FC at home on 2026-08-19. The club is encouraging fans attending the match to wear orange to ‘Orange Out’ TQL Stadium and to illuminate TQL Stadium during a synchronized light show on matchday.