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How to watch, time, and more of NYCFC and Philadelphia Union playoff rematch

NYCFC will play their second game of the season when the Pigeons face the Philadelphia Union. Here is some information about the match, including the time and where to watch.
ByCaitlyn Chale|
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Maxi Moralez of NYCFC
Maxi Moralez of NYCFC | Icon Sportswire/GettyImages

It is odd to start the 2026 season by playing two Sundays in a row, but New York City FC will play another Sunday matchup when they face the Philadelphia Union this weekend.  The team enters the fixture with a draw under their belt after sharing the points with the LA Galaxy.  The Bronx side had a decent performance, but struggled in front of the net without a true striker.

Hence, NYCFC will enter the road match against the Union with their backs against the wall.  The lack of a striker is concerning, especially against a strong Philadelphia team.  Perhaps Head Coach Pascal Jansen will want to switch things up and let someone other than Nicolás Fernández Mercau start up front and center.  It should not be Talles Magno, though, for that argument has been made multiple times throughout the years.  Still, it is early in the season, so while it is okay to be concerned about the attack, the time to worry is not yet here.

Meanwhile, fans must recall that the Pigeons did not have Alonso Martínez when the two teams last met in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  Somehow, even without a true striker starting, NYCFC came out on top thanks to a lone goal by Maxi Moralez.  It was not pretty, but they got the job done.  That might lead to a high confidence level entering this regular-season game, especially since most of the starters from that day can play in this one.

At the same time, the Union will want revenge.  They will also want to win in front of their fans after losing their first game of the season against D.C. United last week.  The team has had a great start in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, winning 12-0 on aggregate in the first round.  In other words, the Union is doing something that NYCFC is not: scoring multiple goals.

How to watch and the time of the NYCFC-Philadelphia match

Date

Sunday, March 1

Time

4:30 PM ET

How to watch on TV and streaming

Apple TV

How to listen

newyorkcityfc.com/radio or via the NYCFC app

How to watch in person

NYCFC fans would have to travel to Chester, Pennsylvania to watch the battle in person.

How to follow

If NYCFC fans cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via MLS Soccer’s timeline and NYCFC’s X account.  Additionally, the club will post updates here and there on Facebook.

Final notes

Last week during the LA Galaxy broadcast, Taylor Twellman suggested that Hannes Wolf should start as the striker over Fernández Mercau, and the Argentine should start on the wings, where he plays his best football.  He is also better playing behind the striker as an attacking midfielder.  This might be an idea to try, and that could allow someone else to start on the left wing.  At this point, NYCFC does not have anything to lose with this.

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