FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati joined MLS from the USL in 2019 as an expansion franchise and struggled big time, winning just 14 games in total across their first three seasons. After some slight improvements in 2022, FC Cincinnati exploded onto the scene in 2023, winning the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular season record in the MLS at 20-5-9. The team had a good run deep into the MLS Playoffs, coming within an inch of their first MLS Cup Final when they lost in the Eastern Conference Final (Semifinals) to the Columbus Crew 3-2 in extra time. FC Cincinnati also lost in the semifinals of the US Open Cup on penalties to Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF and were knocked out of the Leagues Cup (again on penalties) by Nashville SC. Buoyed by their team’s (nearly!) successful 2023, FC Cincinnati’s loyal and enthusiastic fans are expecting even more to come in 2024, hoping that talents like Luciano Acosta, Alec Kann, and goalkeeper Roman Celentano can bring home a first MLS Cup.

How can I get cheap tickets to FC Cincinnati games?

FC Cincinnati’s move up to the MLS has created immense excitement throughout the city, bringing big crowds to the large TQL Stadium. While this creates a fantastic game day atmosphere, it can also make tickets tricky to get a hold of, especially for playoff games, cup games, key conference deciders, or rivalry matchups (see below). To get your hands on the cheapest tickets to FC Cincinnati games, search the TicketX listings on this page and use our trusty TicketX seating chart to compare prices and locations. Tickets can be purchased from TicketX with a single click for the lowest commission fees! 

Will FC Cincinnati play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in the 2024 regular season? 

Yes, FC Cincinnati will play against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF on the following dates in 2024:

• Jul 6 - Inter Miami CF at FC Cincinnati (TQL Stadium) 

• Aug 24 - FC Cincinnati at Inter Miami CF (Chase Stadium, formerly DRV PNK Stadium)

For your best chance at landing the cheapest tickets to sold out Inter Miami CF games featuring Lionel Messi*, search TicketX listings on this page and use our trusty TicketX seating chart to compare seats and prices. Tickets can be purchased from TicketX with a single click for the lowest commission fees! 

**As with any sport, there is never a guarantee that an athlete will be available to play in a certain game. Injuries and other issues can rule Messi out of action, just as they can with any other athlete.

FC Cincinnati Soccer Rivalries

From their first day in MLS, FC Cincinnati has had a natural state rivalry with Columbus Crew, though the Crew have tended to look down their noses thus far at these upstarts who dare to consider themselves rivals. This has no doubt only added fuel to the fire for FC Cincinnati fans, along with their 2023 MLS Playoff Semifinals loss to the Crew. A future local rivalry against Nashville SC seems likely as well. FC Cincinnati also has a holdover rivalry from their days in the USL against Louisville City FC, whom they only just beat 1-0 in the 2023 US Open Cup.

Are FC Cincinnati soccer games exciting?

Through thick and thin, FC Cincinnati’s fans have followed the team, turning out in big numbers to home games. The most hardcore fans, particularly in supporters groups like the Hangar 937, Knights of the Bailey, The Pride, and Queen City Mafia, tend to fill up the section of the stadium known as the Bailey to wave their blue and orange flags and sing songs to inspire the team. Why not head over to beautiful TQL Stadiumand lend your voice in support of one of the most exciting new teams in the MLS!