FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati represents Southwest Ohio in Major League Soccer (MLS), bringing a strong supporter culture and modern stadium experience to the league. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the club plays its home matches at TQL Stadium, where coordinated chants, standing supporter sections, and a close-to-the-pitch design create a fun, high-energy matchday atmosphere.

Since joining MLS, FC Cincinnati has grown into a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. Fans and visitors alike can get FC Cincinnati tickets available through AXS to experience soccer in a city that embraces culture and camaraderie.

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati first began as a USL franchise before earning MLS expansion status and joining the league in 2019.¹ The team saw success from the start, qualifying for the USL Cup Playoffs in all three seasons (2016-2018).² The club quickly built one of the league’s most visible supporter bases, setting attendance records during its USL tenure.

After joining MLS as the league’s 24th club, the team began to earn a reputation as a competitive force, appearing in the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.¹ By 2023, FC Cincinnati secured its first major MLS trophy by winning the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.¹ The achievement marked a turning point in the club’s competitive trajectory and reinforced its place among MLS contenders.¹

FC Cincinnati plays at TQL Stadium, a soccer-specific venue that opened in 2021 in Cincinnati’s West End.² Designed by critically-acclaimed firm Populous, TQL Stadium was named Best Venue at the 2022 World Football Summit in Madrid and awarded the 2022 Prix Versailles World Title in the Sports Category in Paris, France.² It’s one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in MLS.

The stadium seats approximately 26,000 fans and was designed to maximize atmosphere, with the closest seats within 15 feet of the pitch.² Its downtown location makes it conveniently located within a short distance of local restaurants and entertainment, contributing to a full matchday experience.

FC Cincinnati has established key milestones in its relatively short MLS tenure.

• Supporters’ Shield (2023): The club finished the regular season with the best overall record in MLS with a 3-2 win over Toronto FC, earning its first MLS trophy.³
• USL Regular Season Success: Prior to joining MLS, FC Cincinnati recorded multiple high-attendance seasons in the USL, contributing to its expansion bid.²
• Playoff Spot (2023): After just 26 matches, FC Cincinnati became the second-fastest MLS club ever to earn a playoff spot.³

The MLS regular season typically runs from late winter through fall, with additional playoff and tournament matches throughout the year. FC Cincinnati tickets are available now through AXS, making it easy to plan ahead for upcoming home matches.