Two Canadian teams have already exited the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, leaving the Vancouver Whitecaps as the last hope for Canadian soccer fans. Forge FC and Vancouver FC, both from the Canadian Premier League, failed to progress beyond the first round after losing to Mexican teams earlier this month. Meanwhile, reigning CPL champions Atlético Ottawa are on the brink of elimination after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Nashville SC in the first leg of their opening series.
The Concacaf Champions Cup is an annual tournament showcasing the best clubs from North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. It serves as the regional equivalent of the UEFA Champions League and has a storied history, reverting to its original name after being known as the Concacaf Champions League from 2008 to 2023. This year’s tournament features 27 teams, with five clubs receiving byes to the round of 16, including Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders.
The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to face C.S. Cartaginés of Costa Rica in their opening round, with the first leg taking place on February 18th at Estadio Fello Meza. The decisive return match is scheduled for February 25th at BC Place. A win in this series enables Vancouver to progress to the round of 16, where they are poised to meet the Seattle Sounders.
Vancouver’s recent history in the Concacaf Champions Cup has been noteworthy, having reached the final last year, where they unfortunately faced a setback against Mexico’s Cruz Azul, losing 5-0. Despite this, the Whitecaps are determined to prove their previous success wasn’t a fluke. The team’s core remains intact from last season, bolstered by the addition of Bayern Munich superstar Thomas Müller, who made an immediate impact with nine goals and four assists in 13 appearances.
While the team has experienced the loss of key players like Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson, as well as midfielder Ryan Gauld due to injury, the depth of their roster still positions them for strong performances going forward.
C.S. Cartaginés, established in 1906, is one of the oldest clubs in Central America. They have had a successful history in their domestic league and secured their place in this tournament through play-in matches. With a solid record, they currently sit second in their league after seven games and will present a competitive challenge for the Whitecaps.
This matchup marks the first encounter between Vancouver and Cartaginés in the Champions Cup, and Vancouver has previously fared well against Central American clubs, boasting a mixed record dating back to their tournament debut in 2015. With hopes riding on the Whitecaps, Canadian soccer fans remain optimistic as they venture into this year’s competition.