D.C. United vs. NYCFC Decision Day: Kickoff, Absences and Stakes — Nov. 7, 2026

Information checked: November 7, 2026, at 2:07 p.m. in Washington, D.C. (Eastern Standard Time, EST, UTC−05:00), equivalent to 19:07 UTC. This is a pre-kickoff report, not a confirmed match result.

D.C. United host New York City FC at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00), or 21:00 UTC. The game is part of MLS Decision Day, with the Eastern Conference fixtures starting together. Apple TV is the listed viewing platform. At this information check, kickoff was still ahead; no live score, goal scorers or final result could responsibly be reported.

Both D.C. United and NYCFC were eliminated from the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs before this final regular-season game. That changes the focus from qualification to their final Eastern Conference positions: D.C. entered in 14th with 33 points, while New York City stood 11th with 39. The league has confirmed that both positions could still shift based on Decision Day results.

Destaques

• Kickoff: Saturday, November 7, at 4:00 p.m. Washington, D.C. EST (UTC−05:00), the same instant as 21:00 UTC.
• Location and viewing: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.; MLS lists the game on Apple TV.
• Standings stakes: Neither side can qualify for the playoffs, but their final Eastern Conference placing remains undecided.
• Team availability: Official league and club reports identify multiple absences. The starting lineups and final score were not confirmed at this check.

What time is D.C. United vs. New York City FC on Decision Day?

The official kickoff is Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST in Washington, D.C. (UTC−05:00). That is 21:00 UTC on the same calendar date. The United States switched from daylight saving time to standard time on November 1, so EST—not EDT—applies in Washington for this match.

How can fans watch or follow D.C. United vs. NYCFC?

MLS identifies Apple TV as the place to watch the November 7 matchup. Its Decision Day coverage also includes MLS 360 for following goals and key moments around the league. Fans should verify the match tile, viewing terms and availability within Apple TV rather than assuming a separate television channel or free stream is provided.

For match status, verified starting lineups, scoring updates and the eventual final score, use the official MLS D.C. United–NYCFC match center. The D.C. United match preview and the clubs' official channels supply additional team context. Pregame probable lineups should not be mistaken for confirmed starting XIs.

What is at stake for D.C. United and NYCFC on MLS Decision Day?

MLS's Eastern Conference Decision Day breakdown says D.C. United entered the final round in 14th place on 33 points, with a possible finish of 13th or 14th. NYCFC entered 11th on 39 points, with a possible finish from 10th to 12th. These were the standings before the November 7 matches, not final positions.

Neither result would put these teams in the 2026 playoffs. A victory, tie or defeat could still affect their end-of-season ranking, depending on what happens elsewhere in the simultaneous Eastern Conference slate. The main Decision Day contests for qualification concern other clubs around the playoff cutoff; for D.C. and NYCFC, the result instead closes the regular-season record and helps frame their offseason assessments.

What is the latest D.C. United and New York City FC team news?

Which D.C. United players were listed as unavailable?

The official MLS Matchday 35 player status report lists Tai Baribo (hip), Jackson Hopkins (lower leg), Sean Johnson (knee), Hosei Kijima (lower leg), Louis Munteanu (lower leg), Gabe Segal (lower leg) and Kye Rowles (suspension) as out for D.C. United. Lucas Bartlett (lower leg) is listed as questionable. A questionable designation does not establish whether a player will appear; the official matchday lineup is decisive.

Which NYCFC players were ruled out?

In its official availability report ahead of D.C. United, New York City FC listed seven players as out: Maxi Moralez, Arnau Farnós, Drew Baiera, Alonso Martínez, Aiden O'Neill, Andrés Perea and Matt Miazga. The club listed leg injuries for those players. These reported absences are significant team-news context, not evidence of how the November 7 match will unfold.

How did the teams perform before the November 7 matchup?

D.C. United entered at 7 wins, 14 losses and 12 draws, for 33 points, according to its official match preview. René Weiler's side lost 3–0 at Columbus Crew on October 31. Its home record was 5–6–5 entering the finale, and it had beaten NYCFC 2–0 at Citi Field on May 3, 2026. Those facts make this a chance to complete a season sweep, not proof of another D.C. win.

NYCFC came in at 9 wins, 12 losses and 12 draws, totaling 39 points. The visitors drew 1–1 with CF Montréal on October 31 and had won only one of their preceding six games, according to D.C.'s preview. Nicolas Fernández had 16 goals and 10 assists in 32 league appearances, and Agustín Ojeda had five goals and 11 assists across 33 appearances. The numbers describe form entering the match; they do not establish the final outcome.

On tactics, NYCFC's official Keys to the Match preview discussed Weiler's more compact 4–4–2 setup and D.C.'s ability to transition forward quickly. Analysis, not a prediction: if D.C. can attack the space left behind NYCFC, it may create chances; if the visitors keep their defensive shape and use their creative players effectively, they may limit that threat. Neither scenario is a confirmed event.

When will the final score and standings be confirmed?

At 2:07 p.m. EST on November 7, kickoff had not occurred, so there was no verified final result. Once play begins, the MLS match center should provide live information; after the whistle, the league and clubs are the appropriate sources for a final score, scorers and official match recap. A pregame schedule or forecast is not a result.

MLS has scheduled the 2026 playoff Wild Card games for Wednesday, November 18, followed by Round One beginning Friday, November 20, according to its official postseason schedule. Because both D.C. and NYCFC have already been eliminated, neither will receive a berth from this Decision Day meeting. Their final table placement will be known only after relevant results are official.

Official sources

• MLS: D.C. United vs. New York City FC official fixture and match center
• D.C. United: November 7 match preview and form
• MLS: Eastern Conference Decision Day stakes and standings
• MLS: Decision Day 2026 kickoff and Apple TV coverage
• MLS: Matchday 35 player status report
• New York City FC: seven players absent against D.C. United
• MLS: 2026 playoff dates and format

Frequently asked questions

When does D.C. United vs. NYCFC kick off?

Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00) in Washington, D.C., or 21:00 UTC.

Can either team reach the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs?

No. MLS confirmed both clubs had been eliminated before Decision Day. Their final conference rankings could still change.

What was the final score?

No final score was available at the November 7, 2:07 p.m. EST check because kickoff was still ahead. See the official MLS match center for a verified result after the game.