DC United host New York City FC at Audi Field on Saturday, November 7, in the final regular-season match of the 2026 MLS campaign. Neither side made the playoffs, and both are playing for little more than pride and a better finish.

DC United are limping into the finale

The hosts have not had a good end to the year. Last Saturday, DC United lost 3-0 to Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field, the latest in a run that has cost them any shot at post-season football.

Rene Weiler’s side have lost each of their last five games. In that stretch they have conceded 13 goals and scored only three. The last time they won was a 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls on October 15.

Over the full season, DC United have 14 defeats, seven wins and 12 draws. That adds up to 33 points and 14th place in the Eastern Conference, one spot above last-placed CF Montreal.

The attack is a big part of the problem. DC United have scored 39 goals this season, the second-fewest in the East. Only CF Montreal have found the net fewer times, with 37.

NYCFC let a playoff chance slip away late

New York City’s own playoff hopes ended last weekend in a 1-1 draw with CF Montreal. They conceded a gut-wrenching equalizer in the 91st minute, which turned a result they had been chasing into a frustrating point.

The draw came after a win that snapped a run of six straight games without a victory. On October 29, Pascal Jansen’s side edged out Atlanta United 2-1 at Citi Field. Second-half goals from Nicholas Fernandez and Benie Traore did the job.

NYCFC have nine wins and 12 draws from 33 MLS games. That gives them 39 points and 11th place in the East, four points short of the top nine.

Away from home, the picture is less convincing. New York City have failed to win seven of their last eight MLS away games since the start of August. They have lost three and drawn four.

The head-to-head history favors the visitors

This fixture has leaned New York City’s way for some time. NYCFC have won 12 of the last 26 meetings between the sides. DC United have won nine, and the teams have shared the spoils on five occasions.

That record gives the visitors a clear edge on paper. It also means DC United will need something different from their recent form if they want to change the story at home.

Our prediction: NYCFC to get the job done

With nothing riding on this one in terms of standings, the motivation question is real. Both sides are chasing pride rather than places. Still, the form guide points one way.

NYCFC’s late draw with Montreal stung, but they remain the more in-form side. DC United have lost five in a row and are struggling to score.

We are backing them to heap more misery on the out-of-sorts hosts.

Our predicted scoreline is DC United 1-2 New York City FC.

Betting tips for the finale

Three angles stand out from the numbers.

Result: New York City FC to win.

First to score: New York City FC. DC United have conceded the opening goal in four of their last five games, which makes an early visiting lead a logical bet.

Over 2.5 goals: Yes. Three or more goals have been scored in six of DC United’s last seven matches, so a higher-scoring finish is the play here.

Bettors should keep an eye on team news before kickoff, as line changes can shift the value of any pick. For now, the stats lean toward the away side and a game with goals in it.