Atlético Ottawa, Forge FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Vancouver FC have been paired with their international club counterparts for the 2026 regional champion’s tournament. These teams earned their spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup based on their performance in the previous season against top teams from North and Central America.
Ottawa, the CPL playoff champions, will make their cup debut against Nashville SC from Major League Soccer, where Canadian international Jacob Shaffelburg hails from Port Williams, N.S. Forge FC, the regular season champions appearing in the tournament for the fourth time, will face Mexico’s Tigres UNAL from the Monterrey region. Vancouver FC, making their first appearance based on their Canadian Championship performance, will take on the defending champions Cruz Azul from Mexico City.
The Vancouver Whitecaps from MLS will face Costa Rica’s Club Sport Cartaginés after experiencing championship losses. The winner of this match will advance to play against the Seattle Sounders. The opening round of the tournament will consist of two games scheduled for February, with precise dates yet to be announced. The locations for the Canadian matches are also pending confirmation, with a possibility of CPL teams playing in warmer climates.
Despite being considered underdogs, each CPL team has a chance to upset the odds, as Cruz Azul is currently the top-ranked team in the region. A victory in the opening round could potentially lead to facing another Mexican or MLS opponent. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, awaits the winner of the Ottawa versus Nashville matchup.