Chicago Fire FC has carved out a legacy in Major League Soccer since its founding in 1997, boasting an MLS Cup title, multiple U.S. Open Cup victories, and a dedicated fan base in one of America’s biggest sports markets. As MLS continues to draw increasing international attention—with rising attendance, global talent recruitment, and robust streaming partnerships—keeping up with every match matters more than ever for engaged supporters.
At the same time, the way fans watch soccer has transformed rapidly. Traditional cable isn’t the only option anymore. Streaming and satellite platforms, such as DIRECTV, now serve as essential tools for following your favorite teams week after week—whether at home, on the go, or with fellow supporters.
This guide breaks down exactly how you can watch every Chicago Fire FC game on DIRECTV—what channels to tune into, what packages to consider, and how to optimize your viewing experience across the league calendar.
Major League Soccer has centralized its broadcast strategy around a few major networks. For nationally televised Chicago Fire FC games, DIRECTV viewers will find coverage primarily on the following:
Unlike some other teams in the league, Chicago Fire FC no longer maintains a dedicated regional sports network (RSN) for local broadcasts. Starting in 2023, the team’s games are not available on outlets like NBC Sports Chicago or regional affiliates. Instead, the league has transitioned to a unified model that centralizes rights and limits RSN participation.
The majority of matches take place on weekend evenings. Most Saturday games kickoff between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM ET, while select matchdays fall on Sundays. When a Chicago Fire FC game is picked up by a national broadcaster like FS1 or FOX, it may air during prime-time television slots. Univision broadcasts often occur on Saturday afternoons or Sunday evenings.
Doubleheader scheduling is also common. In these cases, fans may watch consecutive matches back-to-back on the same channel. However, not all Chicago Fire FC games appear on national TV; many air exclusively on the league’s digital platform unless picked up by a network.
Accessing the complete Chicago Fire FC match calendar begins with two official sources. The Major League Soccer website (mlssoccer.com) maintains a centralized schedule page for all teams, including match times, broadcast information, and venue details. For more team-centric updates, the Chicago Fire FC official website provides a localized view with calendar integrations, promotional game-day features, and ticketing links. Both platforms update in real-time as match dates or times change due to rescheduling or weather-related delays.
A few standout fixtures draw particular interest each season. Matches against Columbus Crew and St. Louis City SC carry regional significance, fueling growing rivalries in the Midwest. The annual matchups with Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls also attract higher national viewership due to playoff implications and spirited fan bases. Pay attention to weekend games scheduled at prime-time slots—they're often designated as wide-reach national broadcasts on platforms like FS1 or FOX.
Game start times vary throughout the season, and time zone awareness matters. The Chicago Fire FC plays home matches in the Central Time Zone (CT), but away games may take place in Eastern, Pacific, or even Mountain Time depending on the opponent. For example, a 7:30 PM CT home fixture could coincide with a 5:30 PM PT kickoff on the West Coast. Use the official MLS schedule filters to view all fixtures adjusted to your local time zone, or set reminders through calendar apps to eliminate confusion on game days.
Specific channel numbers make all the difference on matchday. DIRECTV carries multiple networks that broadcast Chicago Fire FC games throughout the season, and knowing where to find each one streamlines the viewing experience. Here's where to look first.
Spanish language broadcasts of select matches—including some Chicago Fire FC games—will appear on TUDN and Univision, depending on league scheduling and rights.
When dates or opponents shift, real-time channel searching becomes more reliable than pre-printed schedules. DIRECTV’s on-screen guide updates daily. To locate a Chicago Fire FC broadcast:
Prefer mobile or desktop? The DIRECTV website and DIRECTV app provide the same search functionality. Log in, go to the Guide section, and type in “Chicago Fire FC.” You’ll see all available broadcasts, with links to record or stream directly.
During high-traffic matchdays, cross-checking across ESPN, FOX Sports, and TUDN will help identify late broadcasting updates or regional coverage changes. Don't rely solely on one channel—DIRECTV's rotating MLS coverage spans multiple networks season-long.
DIRECTV offers four core satellite TV packages, each tier unlocking a different range of sports coverage — including soccer channels that broadcast Chicago Fire FC matches. Evaluating these options side by side will clarify which subscription best meets your needs as a Major League Soccer viewer.
As the most basic of DIRECTV offerings, the ENTERTAINMENT package includes more than 75 channels. Soccer coverage, though limited, begins here. The package includes access to ESPN and FS1, both of which carry nationally broadcast MLS matches throughout the season.
Upgrading to the CHOICE package introduces more than 105 channels and significantly extends sports content. In addition to ESPN and FS1, this tier includes regional sports networks (RSNs) in most markets — a critical factor when trying to catch games blacked out from national broadcast.
* NBC Sports Chicago availability depends on location and subject to market rights
The ULTIMATE package expands to over 140 channels, folding in networks like CBS Sports Network and more soccer-focused programming. With this tier, you can also watch Premier League or Champions League coverage via additional sports networks, making it ideal for the all-around football fan.
At the top of the line, the PREMIER package delivers over 150 channels. All sports and premium entertainment channels come standard, including international soccer networks and premium add-ons. The package bundles HBO, Showtime, STARZ, and Cinemax, though the real appeal for sports fans is full access to everything from beIN SPORTS to ESPN Deportes.
For fans focused specifically on MLS and Chicago Fire FC, the CHOICE package strikes the right balance. It ensures national match coverage through ESPN and FS1, while also offering regional networks like NBC Sports Chicago where available. Unless following additional leagues or international matches, moving beyond CHOICE offers diminishing returns for MLS-exclusive viewers.
The DIRECTV app provides mobile access to live and on-demand content, including Chicago Fire FC matches, across a wide range of devices. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or simply away from your TV, the app lets you stay connected to every moment of the game.
Start by downloading the DIRECTV app to your device and launching it. Login using the same credentials associated with your DIRECTV subscription—typically your email and password. Once authenticated, the app syncs to your package, unlocking access to networks that carry MLS games, including games featuring Chicago Fire FC.
Need to check whether your subscription includes Chicago Fire FC coverage? Navigate to your account settings and view your channel lineup directly within the app interface. The app also supports biometric login options such as Face ID and fingerprint recognition for faster access.
Live games can be accessed directly through the app’s home screen or sports section. Look for the “MLS” tab or search for “Chicago Fire” to bring up upcoming live broadcasts. DIRECTV’s streaming infrastructure allows for HD-quality streaming with adaptive bitrate technology, ensuring seamless playback even on variable internet connections.
Missed a game? The app’s on-demand library archives previously aired matches. Games typically become available within two hours of the live broadcast ending. You can also set alerts to be notified when a game is about to start, or when recordings are available to watch.
With multi-screen support, fans can start a game on one device and finish it on another, without losing their spot. This makes it easy to switch between watching devices, whether you're catching the first half on your tablet at the airport or finishing the second half on your smart TV at home.
DIRECTV’s DVR system gives soccer fans full control over how they watch. Want to rewatch that game-winning goal? Just set your DVR to record the Chicago Fire FC matchup ahead of time from the on-screen guide. Whether the game airs on FS1, FOX, or another sports network included in your package, recording it is a simple, one-click process using your remote.
You can also schedule recordings remotely through the DIRECTV app. Heading out and forgot to set the DVR? Open the app, find the Chicago Fire FC fixture, and schedule it—no rush, no missed moments.
Missed kickoff? DIRECTV’s On-Demand library covers select MLS games, including Chicago Fire FC, for replay viewing. Games become available shortly after their broadcast ends and remain accessible for several days. This applies to content aired on national networks within DIRECTV’s sports packages, where rebroadcast rights are included.
Fast forward through breaks, pause during dramatic moments, and rewind that assist you didn’t quite catch the first time. On-Demand viewing brings back the tension and thrill whenever you're ready.
DIRECTV allows you to create series recordings for recurring games, meaning you can set it once and forget it. Simply specify "Chicago Fire FC" matches in your series manager, and the DVR will automatically capture every game aired on any channel included in your subscription tier.
Worried about running out of space? DIRECTV DVRs support storage management tools. You can prioritize soccer over sitcoms, set expiration rules, and delete older recordings with a few taps. Newer Genie DVR models can record up to five shows simultaneously and store between 200 to 1,000 hours depending on the configuration.
Want to take things even further? Enable conflict resolution to ensure Fire games don’t get bumped when overlapping with other scheduled content. This setup guarantees uninterrupted access to every fixture, all season long.
The MLS Season Pass is the result of a 10-year partnership between Major League Soccer and Apple, launched in 2023. Available exclusively through the Apple TV app, this streaming subscription gives fans access to every regular-season MLS game, the full playoff schedule, and the Leagues Cup—all without geographic blackouts.
This service functions independently of traditional cable or satellite providers. Once subscribed—either monthly or annually—viewers can stream games through Apple TV on a wide variety of devices: smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, Apple TV boxes, gaming consoles, and web browsers. Users don’t need an Apple device to access it; just the Apple TV app and a subscription.
DIRECTV relies on scheduled broadcasts through partner networks such as FS1, FOX, or local regional sports networks. These games follow staggered schedules and may not include every match. Some broadcasts are subject to blackout restrictions or regional availability limits, especially if the game is being shown on a network exclusive to MLS Season Pass.
Unlike DIRECTV, MLS Season Pass covers every single match—from preseason to playoffs—with both English and Spanish commentary, and no regional limitations. Viewers can switch between live games and archived replays freely, and every game is streamed in high definition or 4K quality, where available.
DIRECTV users won’t find MLS Season Pass bundled within their subscription, and vice versa. For the most comprehensive MLS coverage, including every Chicago Fire FC match, pairing both platforms allows for layered access across all matchdays. Curious how the MLS Season Pass works on your devices? Open the Apple TV app, search for the MLS section, and browse the upcoming match schedule tailored to your interests.
Blackout restrictions are designed to protect the broadcasting rights of local and national networks. When a game airs on a local channel or regional sports network (RSN) within a defined market, it may be blacked out on national platforms like the MLS Season Pass or DIRECTV’s out-of-market coverage. This system supports regional broadcasters and drives local viewership.
Games played by the Chicago Fire FC that are broadcast locally—either via WGN-TV or a regional sports affiliate—can face blackout restrictions on national platforms in the Chicago viewing area. Additionally, when a match is featured in a national MLS broadcast window, availability may shift exclusively to that network, restricting access via DIRECTV’s MLS package or streaming apps.
Blackout navigation often depends on a combination of timing, streaming rights, and broadcast location. Tracking the official MLS broadcast calendar and aligning it with your DIRECTV guide ensures access every week. Do you have a reliable method to catch blacked-out games? Explore your setup and optimize it before the next Fire kickoff.
Sifting through streaming platforms can feel like lining up for penalty kicks—every option promises a win, but only one will deliver exactly what you're looking for. For soccer fans, especially those following Chicago Fire FC, comparing content access, pricing, and viewing features is critical. Here's how DIRECTV competes with the most popular streaming choices.
DIRECTV provides full access to the channels airing national MLS games—ESPN, FS1, and sometimes FOX affiliates. In addition, regional sports networks are often bundled depending on location, making local broadcasts of Chicago Fire FC more accessible. Conversely:
DIRECTV stands out with 20 hours of cloud DVR (via the satellite version) and unlimited hours on DIRECTV STREAM, retaining recordings for 9 months. It also supports simultaneous streams depending on the package; STREAM supports up to 20 at home. Here’s the contrasting landscape:
For viewers anchored in the Midwest and loyal to Chicago Fire FC, DIRECTV offers a dependable and channel-rich ecosystem, especially where regional sports match availability is a dealbreaker. National game access is as strong as competitors, and the platform’s additional sports content outpaces Hulu and Peacock. However, FuboTV draws in fans with an expansive international lineup, and YouTube TV appeals to tech-savvy viewers looking for app integration and smart experience enhancements.
Ultimately, the best pick depends on which style of coverage and channels match the fan’s daily routine. Love MLS alongside Liga MX or UEFA? FuboTV makes a compelling case. Want everything from one provider with hardy performance and wide channel selection? DIRECTV steps up with authority.
DIRECTV delivers full-season access to Chicago Fire FC games, combining traditional TV convenience with modern streaming flexibility. Intrigued by where to start? Here’s how to ensure you stay locked in from kickoff to the final whistle.
DIRECTV integrates live broadcasts, mobile streaming, and exclusive sports content into a single ecosystem. Whether you follow every game from Soldier Field or tune in remotely, DIRECTV keeps you in the action. Built-in search tools, match reminders, and real-time updates create a viewing experience that matches the energy of the pitch.
Ready to follow the Fire all the way through the season? Mark your calendars, set your devices, and let DIRECTV handle the rest.
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