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DC United vs Columbus Crew preview: next match kick-off, venue & key talking points

The next DC United match sees them host Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer Regular Season - 24 at Audi Field in Washington. The fixture is scheduled to kick off on 9 September 2026 at 23:30 UTC, giving home fans another chance to see their side on their own turf as the Eastern Conference race tightens. For anyone wondering when DC United play next, this DC United vs Columbus Crew preview covers the key details, form and head-to-head picture.

DC United come into this game sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference with 25 points from 22 matches, while Columbus Crew are just behind them in 13th place on 23 points from 23 games. With only two points separating the sides and both carrying negative goal differences, this clash at Audi Field could have a direct impact on the middle of the conference standings as the 2026 MLS season moves into its later rounds.

Match details: date, kick-off & venue

  • Competition: Major League Soccer, Regular Season - 24
  • Date / Kick-off: 2026-09-09T23:30:00Z
  • Venue: Audi Field, Washington
  • Status: Not Started (Fixture has not started yet)

Standings & form

DC United are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference with 25 points and a goal difference of -8. They have played 22 league matches, recording 5 wins, 10 draws and 7 defeats, scoring 28 goals and conceding 36. At Audi Field they have been inconsistent, with a home record of 3 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses from 11 games, scoring 15 and conceding 22. Away from home they have 2 wins, 6 draws and 3 defeats (13 scored, 14 conceded). Their recent league form is DLLDD, underlining a run of draws and a need to turn performances into victories.

Columbus Crew sit just behind in the same conference, 13th in the Eastern Conference on 23 points with a goal difference of -5. They have played 23 matches, winning 6, drawing 5 and losing 12, with 34 goals scored and 39 conceded. At home they have been stronger (5 wins, 2 draws, 5 losses; 17–14 in goals), but their away form has been a concern: only 1 win, 3 draws and 7 defeats from 11 away fixtures, with 17 scored and 25 conceded. Their current form string reads WLLLL, showing one win followed by a run of losses that they will be desperate to halt in Washington.

From the wider season statistics, DC United have kept 5 clean sheets and failed to score in 7 matches, while Columbus Crew have managed 4 clean sheets and failed to score only 3 times. DC United have successfully converted all 4 penalties awarded to them so far, while Columbus Crew have scored 3 of their 4 spot-kicks. Both sides have mainly lined up in a 4-4-2 shape this season, with DC United using it 19 times and Columbus Crew 17 times, suggesting a familiar tactical battle.

Head-to-head

  • 2025-07-19: Columbus Crew 2–1 DC United (Major League Soccer)
  • 2025-03-29: DC United 1–2 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)
  • 2024-09-28: DC United 2–2 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)
  • 2024-04-06: Columbus Crew 1–1 DC United (Major League Soccer)
  • 2023-04-08: DC United 0–2 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)

The recent head-to-head record leans towards Columbus Crew. In the five most recently listed MLS meetings, Columbus have won three times (including a 2–1 home win in July 2025 and a 2–1 away victory at Audi Field in March 2025), while the other two fixtures ended level, both in 2024. DC United have not beaten Columbus in any of these five games, and have lost twice at Audi Field in that span, adding an extra psychological hurdle for the hosts to overcome in this latest encounter.

Team news & absences

For DC United, G. Segal is listed as Missing Fixture with a Leg Injury. Defender K. Rowles is Questionable due to a Thigh Injury, leaving some uncertainty over his availability.

Columbus Crew have several confirmed absences. W. Abou Ali is ruled out as Missing Fixture with a Knee Injury, while S. Bangoura (Ankle Injury) and R. Camacho (Foot Injury) are also listed as Missing Fixture. In addition, J. Thiare is Questionable with a Leg Injury, which could further affect the visitors’ attacking and squad options.

Key players to watch

  • T. Baribo (DC United) — The attacker has scored 12 goals in the 2026 MLS season, making him a central figure for DC United’s attack at Audi Field in this DC United vs Columbus Crew clash.

Prediction

The prediction data for this DC United vs Columbus Crew match points slightly towards the visitors avoiding defeat. The model’s percentages give DC United 10% to win, with a 45% chance of a draw and a 45% chance of a Columbus Crew victory. The advised tip is a “Double chance: draw or Columbus Crew”, reflecting Columbus Crew’s recent edge in the head-to-head series and DC United’s run of draws. However, DC United’s home advantage and the tight Eastern Conference standings suggest a competitive encounter at Audi Field.

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