The Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to kick off their 2026 campaign. They will compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Costa Rican club C.S. Cartaginés. This match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Match Details
The opening leg will take place at Estadio Fello Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica. The scheduled kickoff time is 7 p.m. PT.
- Teams: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. C.S. Cartaginés
- Date: February 18, 2026
- Location: Estadio Fello Meza, Cartago, Costa Rica
- Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. PT
- Broadcast: Available on OneSoccer, FuboTV, and TELUS channel 980
Historic Season Ahead
After a successful preseason in Spain, the Whitecaps aim to build on their achievements from 2025. Last season was remarkable, as they secured their fourth consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship title. They also won their first Western Conference title and reached finals in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup.
Key Players
The 2026 roster features notable talents:
- Thomas Müller – German football legend
- Brian White – MLS era leading goalscorer
- Tristan Blackmon – Reigning MLS Defender of the Year
- Andrés Cubas – Paraguayan international
- Sebastian Berhalter – MLS Best XI selection
Continental Aspirations
The Whitecaps will face C.S. Cartaginés for the first time in tournament history. Previously, they competed against Deportivo Saprissa during the 2025 campaign. Their journey to continental glory continues with hopes of reaching the finals once again.
If they win this matchup, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face Seattle Sounders FC.
Upcoming Home Opener
Following the Concacaf match, the Whitecaps will begin their MLS regular season with a home opener against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This game will be significant, marking the team’s 500th match in MLS history. Last season, they won both encounters against Salt Lake, posting a strong track record.
New Signings
During the offseason, the Whitecaps made six new signings to strengthen their squad:
- Nikola Djordjevic – Whitecaps FC 2 product
- Mihail Gherasimencov – Whitecaps FC 2 product
- Oliver Larraz – Former Colorado Rapids midfielder
- Bruno Caicedo – Ecuadorian youth international
- Aziel ‘AZ’ Jackson – MLS experienced forward
- Cheikh Sabaly – AFCON winner and Senegalese international
The Whitecaps are prepared for a competitive season, with aspirations to achieve unprecedented success in 2026.
