FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Live Stream: Lineups, TV Channel & How to Watch MLS Playoffs

FC Cincinnati will host the Columbus Crew in a thrilling MLS Playoffs matchup at TQL Stadium. The first leg of this best-of-three series kicks off tonight, with both teams eager to make a strong start toward a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Fans can tune in live through several broadcast and streaming options across the United States.

The match begins at 6:45 p.m. ET (3:45 p.m. PT) and marks one of the most anticipated playoff clashes this season. With Cincinnati finishing second in the East and Columbus in seventh, this Ohio rivalry is expected to deliver fireworks from start to finish.

FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Match Preview and Lineups

FC Cincinnati comes into the playoffs in top form after finishing the regular season with 65 points, boasting 20 wins, five draws, and nine losses. They ended their campaign unbeaten in five straight MLS matches, including a 3-0 win over Montreal featuring goals from Nick Hagglund, Evander Ferreira, and Brenner da Silva.

Columbus Crew, on the other hand, sealed their playoff berth by finishing seventh with 54 points. They closed their regular season strong, defeating the New York Red Bulls 3-1 on Decision Day with goals from Marcelo Herrera, Daniel Gazdag, and Ibrahim Aliyu. Head coach Wilfried Nancy has emphasized the importance of maintaining composure on the road, especially against a Cincinnati side that thrives in front of home fans.

Expected Lineups

FC Cincinnati: Roman Celentano; Teenage Hadebe, Miles Robinson, Nick Hagglund; Dominik Marczuk, Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha, Alvas Powell, Evander Ferreira; Brenner da Silva, Kei Ansu Kamara.

Columbus Crew: Patrick Schulte; Max Arfsten, Malte Amundsen, Sean Zawadzki, Steven Moreira; Lassi Lappalainen, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Marcelo Herrera; Jacen Russell-Rowe, Hugo Picard.

How and Where to Watch FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Live

Fans can catch the game live through various platforms. The match will air on FS1, FS2, and FOX Sports, while live streaming will be available via fuboTV and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Both English and Spanish commentary options will be available for broader audiences.

For cord-cutters, the MLS Season Pass offers full coverage of all playoff matches, including replays, highlights, and pre-match analysis. Fans in Cincinnati can also experience the atmosphere firsthand at TQL Stadium, where a sold-out crowd is expected.

What to Expect in This MLS Playoff Clash

This rivalry, often dubbed the “Hell Is Real” derby, adds extra intensity to the postseason. Cincinnati’s attacking trio of Brenner, Kamara, and Ferreira faces one of the league’s most balanced midfields led by Darlington Nagbe and Dylan Chambost. Columbus will rely on quick transitions and overlapping runs from Lappalainen and Herrera to break down Cincinnati’s solid defensive structure.

With both sides entering in form, this first leg could set the tone for the entire series. Expect a physical, high-tempo battle between two of the most tactically disciplined teams in the MLS.

FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Live Stream coverage continues throughout the week, with post-match analysis and highlights expected shortly after the final whistle. Fans can stay tuned for lineup changes and tactical updates from team officials before kickoff.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew start?

The match kicks off at 6:45 p.m. ET / 3:45 p.m. PT at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Q2: How can I watch FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew live?

The game will air on FS1, FS2, FOX Sports, and stream live on fuboTV and MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Q3: Who are the key players to watch?

For Cincinnati, watch Evander Ferreira and Brenner da Silva. For Columbus, Darlington Nagbe and Jacen Russell-Rowe could be decisive.

Q4: What’s at stake in this MLS Playoff matchup?

The winner of this best-of-three series advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Q5: What is the “Hell Is Real” rivalry?

It’s the nickname for the Ohio derby between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew, known for passionate fans and intense matches.