Skip to main content

NYCFC vs CF Montréal preview: Final home game of the 2026 season

The final home game will see NYCFC face CF Montréal as the team fights for another win. Here is a preview of the game.
ByCaitlyn Chale
Talles Magno of NYCFC
Talles Magno of NYCFC | Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages

New York City FC knows their job on Halloween.  They must win to have a chance of staying alive in the postseason chase.  But more importantly, they must defeat 15th-place CF Montréal to end the four-game losing streak to the Canadian side.  The visitors have struggled over the years, and it does not make sense how the Pigeons went from dominating the series to now losing four straight.

When all is said and done, the truth is that NYCFC is not expected to play beyond Decision Day next week.  But the Pigeons will want to win on Fan Appreciation Day, as this season has been terrible at home.  The team finally won on Wednesday against Atlanta United FC, winning their first home game since the win over Chicago Fire FC in July.

But despite being in 15th place, CF Montréal had had some good wins, including over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, FC Cincinnati, and, of course, the Boys in Blue.  And for some reason, they have the Bronx side’s number.  Knowing the way 2026 has gone, it would not be shocking for the day to end in a loss.

Hopefully, the day will end in a win.  But will it?  Here is a preview of NYCFC’s game with CF Montréal.

NYCFC vs CF Montréal preview 

Date

NYCFC and CF Montréal will play battle it out on Saturday, October 31 for a Halloween matchup.

Time

The match will begin at 2:00 PM ET.

Location

Supporters can watch the game in person at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, New York.

How to watch

The fixture can be seen on Apple TV.

Weather

It will be a beautiful Halloween in Queens when the fixture begins.  Sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 57 degrees will lead to a comfortable viewing with a light jacket.  Winds will be around 7 mph, and most importantly, there is no chance of rain.

Injury report

Just when things looked better, the injury report has unfortunately expanded once again.  Drew Baiera (leg), Arnau Farnós (leg), Alonso Martinez (leg), Maxi Moralez (leg), and Kai Trewin (leg) remain out.  Aiden O’Neill (leg) is questionable.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Talles Magno.  When the Brazilian came on for the injured Martinez in the Atlanta game, he provided a spark in the final third.  The Pigeons improved their offensive effort, and eventually they scored the two goals that led to the win.  He might not have scored, but he was vital in the final third.  Hence, he should start on Saturday.

Fans should also watch Alexis Sánchez.  The Designated Player has not had the best start with Montréal since joining over the summer, and he has yet to score a goal.  If things go as expected, as this is the 2026 season, then it would not be shocking if he scores his first goal against the Bronx side.

Prediction

While there is hope for a win, reality says that NYCFC will go right back to their 2026 ways.  Therefore, the team will lose 2-1, playing a poor first half before fighting back in the second half.  Some of the younger players will impress, and the goal will either come from Magno or Luighi.

Add us as a preferred source on Google