3 players who must step up at the end of NYCFC's 2026 season

Who believes that New York City FC will make the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2026? For any fan who believes that, that is amazing. With four games to go and the Pigeons in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, the belief that they can still make the postseason, since they are only two points below ninth place, is a little out there. After all, they have only won once in their last 13 regular-season matches.

In addition, it does not matter who NYCFC plays. They have dropped points throughout the season, including most recently against Atlanta United FC and Chicago Fire FC.

So, while it is believed that the Boys in Blue will not make the playoffs, at the very least, they can fight for good results in the final games. At the same time, it would be great for a few players to step up and play their best football. So, here are three players who should step up for the rest of the 2026 season.

3 NYCFC players to step up

Hannes Wolf

Hannes Wolf will go through periods where he is hot. But looking at his NYCFC career, for the most part, he has not been consistent with his goals and assists. Sometimes, he disappears and it feels like he is barely there on the left side of the pitch. It would not be surprising if the winger leaves this offseason despite having another year on his contract.

But it would be really great if Wolf could score a few goals in the final few games of the season. Also, he might not be perfect, but right now, he is arguably a better player compared to the newest Designated Player, Bénie Traoré.

Luighi

He had a good start to his NYCFC career, but Luighi, who is here on a loan deal, has not scored since the win over Real Salt Lake. The Brazilian has shown his technical ability and how he can be a difference-maker, but he has slowed down a little bit over the last few weeks. It might not help that he has started only once in his last four games, but he could easily be someone who lights up Major League Soccer in the final few weeks of the regular season.

Of course, if Luighi wants to become a permanent member of NYCFC, then he cannot slack off in any way. The Pigeons need help in the goal scoring department, so the forward could step up and score a few more goals. And hopefully, his final performances will lead to him staying in the Big Apple.

Matt Freese

Finally, this might be a surprise, but Matt Freese is someone NYCFC needs to step up. The goalkeeper is still one of the best in MLS, but he has been impacted mentally by the awful World Cup game that saw him commit an awful mistake. If Freese could shake that off, and put his entire focus into the team and winning, then, he will likely be back to his usual self and step up in a big games.

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