Leagues Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Set to Determine Semifinalists The Leagues Cup 2026 will unveil its four semifinalists this week through four quarterfinal matches featuring teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. Each series will consist of a single game played exclusively in U.S. territory, a format that has sparked growing concerns among Mexican clubs about potential disadvantages. If matches remain tied after 90 minutes, penalty shootouts will decide the outcome. The tournament’s trophy, which will bear the names of the winning teams, is a central focus of the competition. The quarterfinal matchups include Chicago Fire vs. Monterrey, Real Salt Lake vs. León, Austin FC vs. Toluca, and Columbus Crew vs. Club América. These matches are expected to highlight the contrasting strengths and challenges of the participating teams. In the Chicago Fire vs. Monterrey series, the U.S. side enters with a strong reputation. The Fire, based in Illinois, have maintained a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, with six wins and one draw. Three of these victories came in the Leagues Cup, including 2-0 and 3-1 wins over Necaxa, Santos Laguna, and Cruz Azul. Their strong performance has positioned them third in the MLS Eastern Conference. Monterrey, meanwhile, has had an inconsistent season in Liga MX, with three wins and two losses in five games. Despite an early setback against Orlando City (1-2), the Mexican side has bounced back with 2-1 wins over Inter Miami and Nashville SC. The Real Salt Lake vs. León match presents a different dynamic. Neither team is currently in a strong position in their respective leagues. Real Salt Lake, based in Utah, is in the play-in zone of the MLS Western Conference, while León, from Mexico, sits eighth in the Liga MX Apertura 2026 standings.#monterrey #leon #real_salt_lake #chicago_fire #leagues_cup_2026
Cruz Azul venció a New York City FC y se acerca a cuartos de final Cruz Azul logró una victoria clave de 2-1 sobre New York City FC en un partido disputado en Harrison, lo que lo posicionó entre los líderes de la tabla de la Liga MX y con opciones sólidas de avanzar a los cuartos de final de la Leagues Cup. El partido fue marcado por un desempeño contundente de la Máquina, que superó las dificultades iniciales para imponerse en el estadio. Los goles del partido fueron convertidos por Agustín Palavecino y José Paradela, quienes definieron el resultado. El partido comenzó con una fase complicada para Cruz Azul, que tuvo que luchar por imponer condiciones en la cancha. Sin embargo, al minuto 35, el mediocampista Erik Lira recibió un pase en tres cuartos de cancha y lo entregó a Palavecino. El jugador aprovechó la oportunidad para disparar un remate de larga distancia que venció al arquero Matt Freese de New York City FC. Este tanto dio la ventaja a Cruz Azul en la primera mitad. A pesar de la ventaja, el partido no fue sencillo. New York City FC, que había atacado con poca frecuencia, logró el empate en la última jugada del primer tiempo. Nicolás Fernández cobró un tiro libre al segundo poste, y Max Murray apareció para descontar el gol. La igualdad se mantuvo hasta el descanso, pero Cruz Azul volvió a mostrar su fuerza en el segundo tiempo. Durante el complemento, la Máquina enfrentó dificultades para romper la defensa rival. Sin embargo, el minuto 77 fue decisivo. José Paradela, quien ya había participado en la jugada del segundo gol, remató desde fuera del área. El balón se desvió en James Sands, lo que permitió a Cruz Azul recuperar la ventaja. Este tanto fue crucial para consolidar la victoria. Con este resultado, Cruz Azul sumó seis puntos en la tabla de equipos mexicanos, colocándose en el tercer lugar.#new_york_city_fc #cruz_azul #chicago_fire #leagues_cup #harrison
Dermot Mulroney Confirms Exit from ‘Chicago Fire’ After 13 Seasons Dermot Mulroney, 62, has officially confirmed his departure from the long-running NBC series “Chicago Fire,” marking the end of his 13-year tenure as firefighter Dom Pascal. The actor revealed his decision during an appearance at the Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention, stating that his character’s storyline necessitated his exit. Mulroney, who first joined the show in season 13, was written out of the series midway through season 14 but returned for the season finale in May. His final appearance will be in a single episode of the show’s upcoming 15th season, which is set to premiere on October 7. Mulroney expressed sadness over leaving the series, emphasizing the emotional weight of the role and its significance to first responders. “It’s an amazing thing to see ... which makes it that much more — I won’t say bittersweet. It’s bitter to have to leave that,” he said, reflecting on the show’s impact. The actor also highlighted the camaraderie he developed with the cast, many of whom had been with the show for over a decade. “I became friends with this incredible crew of people. Some of them had been there 15 years,” he shared, noting the challenging scenes he portrayed, particularly during season 13 when his character lost a family member. The actor admitted the role was emotionally taxing, describing how the storyline “starts to feel really heavy.” He praised the writers for pushing him to deliver a compelling performance, stating, “They asked that of me and I delivered.” Mulroney’s exit comes as part of a broader cast overhaul for season 15. Joe Miñoso, who has portrayed firefighter Joe Cruz since the show’s debut, is also leaving the series.#dermot_mulroney #chicago_fire #flashback_weekend_chicago_horror_convention #firehouse_51 #one_chicago
Robert Lewandowski Joins Chicago Fire, Seeks New Chapter in MLS The Chicago Fire made headlines by signing Robert Lewandowski, the legendary Polish striker known for his record-breaking goal tally across European clubs and his national team. The move, announced during a press conference on Tuesday, has sent ripples through Major League Soccer (MLS) and beyond. Lewandowski, who has scored over 700 goals in his career, expressed his excitement about the transition to the United States, emphasizing the importance of family and new experiences in his decision. Lewandowski admitted the move from Europe to the MLS was not an easy one. During his introduction, he revealed he had consultations with former European teammates like Xherdan Shaqiri and Bastian Schweinsteiger, as well as MLS veterans such as Thomas Müller. These conversations helped him gauge the league’s atmosphere and potential. “They told me it’s amazing,” he said, highlighting both the club’s training facilities and the welcoming environment for his family. The decision to join the Chicago Fire was influenced by his visit to the city during the decision-making process. While acknowledging the challenges of adapting to the U.S. climate, particularly the stark differences between winter and summer, Lewandowski was struck by the city’s unique appeal. “When I came here a couple of weeks ago, I was impressed by how it looks—not only the club’s capacity but also the city and the people,” he shared. The presence of a large Polish community in Chicago played a significant role in his choice. The Polish National Alliance noted that the Chicagoland area is home to the largest Polish metropolitan community outside of Poland, with nearly 900,000 people of Polish ancestry.#robert_lewandowski #chicago_fire #thomas_mueller #bastian_schweinsteiger #xherdan_shaqiri
Lewandowski Commits to Chicago Fire, Cites Barcelona Legacy and MLS Opportunity Robert Lewandowski, the 37-year-old Polish striker, officially joined the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, marking the end of his four-season tenure with Barcelona. The move to Major League Soccer (MLS) was framed by Lewandowski as a natural progression, as he expressed that he could not envision himself playing for any other European club after his time at Barça. "I couldn't imagine myself in a different club beside Barcelona," he said, adding that the decision to leave Europe for the U.S. was driven by the desire to explore new opportunities. Lewandowski, who helped Barcelona win three LaLiga titles, three Supercopa de España trophies, and one Copa del Rey during his time with the club, described the transition as a significant life change. "It's like our life's changing, but it's the new experience," he said, emphasizing his hope that the move would create a "nice, beautiful chapter" for him and his family. He acknowledged the challenges of adapting to life in the U.S., noting that while the shift from Europe to America is difficult, the excitement of the new chapter outweighs the obstacles. The decision to join the Chicago Fire was influenced by conversations with former Barcelona teammates, including Bastian Schweinsteiger, who spent three seasons with the Fire, and Thomas Müller, currently with Vancouver Whitecaps. Both praised the MLS and the city of Chicago, describing the league and the club as "amazing." "They told me that it's amazing," Lewandowski said, highlighting the appeal of the environment for both his career and family life. Chicago Fire manager Gregg Berhalter expressed enthusiasm about the signing, calling it a "massive" move for the club.#robert_lewandowski #barcelona #chicago_fire #gregg_berhalter #hugo_cuypers
NBC Cancels 'The Hunting Party' After Cast Options Lapse NBC has officially canceled its conspiracy thriller "The Hunting Party," with the network confirming the decision following the expiration of cast options for the series. Deadline reported that the show’s cast, including Melissa Roxburgh as a former FBI profiler leading a team to track down escaped killers, no longer has exclusive ties to the project. This marks the end of the series, which had been in development as a mix of a conspiracy thriller and police procedural. The cancellation is part of a broader shift for NBC, which recently revised its summer and fall schedules. The network had already removed "The Hunting Party" from its lineup earlier this year, joining a list of other canceled series. These include "Brilliant Minds," "Law & Order: Organized Crime," "Karamo," and "The Kelly Clarkson Show." NBCUniversal’s Jeff Bader, president of program planning strategy, told reporters ahead of the network’s upfront presentation in May that NBC is operating on a "very tight schedule," reflecting the challenges of balancing creative and financial priorities. The decision to cancel "The Hunting Party" also affects a separate pilot project linked to the network. Deadline noted that cast options for a different pilot starring Emily Deschanel, titled "Key Witness," had also expired. The "Key Witness" pilot, which was set to follow a psychologist and FBI consultant focused on victims rather than perpetrators, was another casualty of NBC’s evolving programming strategy. NBC’s fall lineup for 2026 includes a mix of new and returning series. New shows set to premiere include "Line of Fire," a crime drama; "The Traitors," a reality competition; and "Newlyweds," a comedy. Returning series that have been renewed include "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Chicago P.D.#nbc #chicago_fire #jeff_bader #melissa_roxburgh #key_witness
John Terry lauds Bafana Bafana star Mbekezeli Mbokazi's mentality Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry praised South Africa and Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, calling him a potential future star in world football. The 20-year-old is expected to start at centre-back for Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico, a match Terry predicted would end 1-1. South Africa head coach Hugo Broos compared Mbokazi’s attributes to those of former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who Broos gave his debut at Anderlecht. Terry, a former Premier League defender, has since become an admirer of Mbokazi, highlighting his “top, top player” status and “positive mentality.” Mbokazi’s rise to prominence includes a standout performance for Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. During the tournament, he delivered a commanding display in a 1-0 group stage defeat to Egypt, where he won all eight of his ground duels against Mohamed Salah, a former Chelsea teammate of Terry. Despite a controversial penalty awarded to Egypt, Mbokazi’s resilience and composure under pressure earned praise. The match, held on Boxing Day, marked a key moment in his international career. After joining Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates, Mbokazi has excelled in Major League Soccer (MLS), becoming the second South African to be selected for the MLS All-Star team. He is the first to make the team as a starter, joining legends like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min. The All-Star game will take place in Charlotte on July 29, with Mbokazi and other top players competing against Mexico’s Liga MX representatives. Broos initially criticized Mbokazi’s move to MLS, arguing he should have stayed in Europe.#africa_cup_of_nations #bafana_bafana #chicago_fire #john_terry #mbekezeli_mbokazi
Chicago Fire v Atlanta United: Martino Eyeing Transfers After World Cup Break Atlanta United are yet to find their rhythm under Tata Martino, but the club remains focused on improving their performance ahead of the World Cup break. Despite a summer of 12 signings, including the acquisition of Tomas Jacob from Necaxa, the team has struggled to translate those additions into consistent results. In their opening six league matches of the season, Atlanta has managed just one win, following a three-game losing streak that left them in a precarious position. However, a brief resurgence saw them go unbeaten in their next two matches before a 3-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew highlighted their ongoing challenges. Martino, who is in his second stint with Atlanta, emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness until the World Cup break. “We understand we have an important break for the World Cup this season and also the summer transfer window that will open,” he said. “We’ll be open to new signings and paying attention in that window, but I also think we need to be a solid team from now and through all the games up until that point.” Martino’s comments underscored the delicate balance between preparing for the transfer market and ensuring the squad remains competitive in the short term. The recent match against Columbus Crew provided a stark reminder of Atlanta’s struggles. Wessam Abou Ali’s brace gave Columbus a commanding lead, while Aleksey Miranchuk’s goal briefly narrowed the gap. However, Max Arfsten’s late strike sealed the win for the Crew, leaving Atlanta with a 3-1 loss. The game also revealed some statistical insights: Atlanta’s expected goals (xG) total of 1.24 from seven shots contrasted sharply with Columbus’ 1.46 from 16 attempts.#atlanta_united #tata_martino #chicago_fire #wessam_abou_ali #aleksey_miranchuk
Chicago Fire vs Atlanta United Match Preview: Fire Aim to Extend Streak Against Struggling Atlanta Saturday’s match at Soldier Field marks a pivotal moment for the Chicago Fire as they seek to continue their winning streak against an Atlanta United side that has struggled to convert talent into results. The Fire, coming off back-to-back victories over Philadelphia and Nashville, face an Atlanta team that has yet to secure a win in 2026 despite boasting one of the league’s most expensive rosters. The absence of head coach Tata Martino, who was red-carded in Atlanta’s 3-1 loss to Columbus last Saturday, adds another layer of uncertainty for the visiting side. The Fire’s head coach, Gregg Berhalter, acknowledged Martino’s influence on the game despite his temporary absence. “Nothing changes,” Berhalter said, emphasizing that the team would still feel the impact of Martino’s tactical acumen. “If he travels, he’ll be able to communicate what’s happening on the sideline. Sometimes there’s even more of an impulse for the team because they know they need to take care of it by themselves.” This sentiment underscores the Fire’s focus on maintaining their defensive resilience, a key factor in their recent success. Atlanta’s struggles this season have been stark despite their high-profile signings. The team, which once redefined the potential of an expansion franchise by winning the 2018 MLS Cup, has since faced inconsistency. Their only win in 2026 came against a struggling Philadelphia team, and they’ve yet to score multiple goals in any game this year. The absence of Martino, who previously guided Atlanta to their 2018 title, has not improved their fortunes.#atlanta_united #tata_martino #chicago_fire #gregg_berhalter #soldier_field
Which Chicago Fire, PD and Med Characters Are Leaving? The renewal of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med has sparked speculation about which characters may not return for the upcoming seasons. Over the past few years, the trio of One Chicago shows have seen several departures, including key figures like Boden, Carver, and Ritter from Fire; Upton and Kiana Cook from P.D.; and Maggie and Will Halstead from Med. Some exits were due to budget cuts, while others were driven by actors’ personal choices. As the series move into new seasons, fans are now focusing on potential cast changes and plot-driven exits. Below are five characters whose futures remain uncertain. Dr. Daniel Charles, portrayed by Oliver Platt, is among the most likely to leave Chicago Med. The psychiatrist’s departure has been hinted at throughout the season, with his struggles and panic attacks escalating to a critical point. In a recent episode, Charles collapsed from a stroke, raising questions about his fate. While his exit was initially framed as a retirement, the show’s direction suggests he may face a more dramatic end before the season concludes. Dom Pascal, played by Dermot Mulroney, has already left Chicago Fire after being fired from Firehouse 51 for misconduct. His character’s absence during the latter half of the season further complicates his return. Although Mulroney hinted at a potential comeback, the uncertainty surrounding his future makes it unlikely he will return to 51. The firehouse has already been replaced by Battalion Chief Hopkins, leaving Pascal’s fate unresolved. Kevin Atwater, portrayed by LaRoyce Hawkins, remains a beloved figure on Chicago P.D., but his storyline introduces new complications. Atwater is set to become a father to Tasha Fox, who currently resides in Miami.#chicago_fire #chicago_pd #chicago_med #oliver_platt #dermot_mulroney
