San Diego FC makes their Concacaf Champions Cup debut on Tuesday, February 3 at 8:00 PM, hosting Liga MX's Pumas UNAM in a Round One home-and-away series. This is SDFC's first match of 2026 and marks another historic milestone for the expansion club that rewrote the MLS record books in their inaugural season.

About the Tournament

The Concacaf Champions Cup is the premier club tournament in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The winner earns a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The tournament runs through a single-match final on May 30, 2026.

San Diego FC qualified by winning the 2025 Western Conference with a record-breaking 63 points. Nine MLS clubs are competing, including reigning champions Cruz Azul and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF.

About Pumas UNAM

Pumas isn't just any opponent. They're one of Mexico's "Cuatro Grandes" (Big Four) along with Club América, Chivas, and Cruz Azul. The Mexico City-based club has won seven Liga MX championships and three Concacaf Champions Cup titles.

Pumas Players to Watch

• Keylor Navas (Goalkeeper) - The 38-year-old Costa Rican legend won three UEFA Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and was Paris Saint-Germain's starting keeper. He's a brick wall and a Golden Glove nominee at the 2014 World Cup.
• Jorge Ruvalcaba (Midfielder) - Posted 5 goals and 4 assists in the recent Apertura season. Quick and creative in the attacking third.
• Guillermo Martínez (Forward) - Led Pumas with 11 goals last year. Known for his aerial ability and physical presence.

Pumas finished 4th in the 2024-25 Liga MX Apertura with 31 points and currently sits 7th in the early Clausura standings. They last reached the Champions Cup final in 2022, losing to Seattle Sounders 5-2 on aggregate.

What to Expect from San Diego FC

This is SDFC's first competitive match since their Western Conference Final exit in early December. The club will lean on their record-breaking attack led by Anders Dreyer, who posted 19 goals and 19 assists in the 2025 regular season and won MLS Newcomer of the Year.

Forward Amahl Pellegrino caught fire late in 2025, scoring crucial playoff goals. The Norwegian international recently signed a contract extension through 2026.

In goal, expect either CJ dos Santos (10 clean sheets in the regular season) or Pablo Sisniega (2 clean sheets in 3 playoff starts). Both have proven capable of standing up to world-class attackers.

The challenge? SDFC's young defensive line faces a Pumas attack that knows how to exploit spaces. Veteran defender Chris McVey will need to organize the backline against Martínez's aerial threat and Ruvalcaba's creativity.

Why This Matters

Beyond the prestige, this tournament tests SDFC against international competition. Winning the two-leg series would put them in the Round of 16 against reigning Liga MX champions Toluca - another massive test and potential path to the Club World Cup.

For fans, it's a chance to see San Diego take on one of Mexico's historic clubs. The atmosphere should be electric, with both SDFC supporters and the local Pumas fanbase packing Snapdragon Stadium.

Planning Your Visit

Parking

• Complete parking guide
• Lots open 3 hours before kickoff
• Pre-purchase parking strongly recommended
• Season ticket members get 30% off parking

Getting There

• Address: 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA 92108
• Trolley to Snapdragon Stadium - Green Line to SDSU Stadium Station ($2.50/ride)
• Directions & traffic tips
• Tuesday evening traffic from I-8 and I-15 can be heavy - arrive early

Stadium Essentials

• What to bring (and leave home)
• Clear bag policy - only bags smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" or clear bags allowed
• Food and drink options
• Seating chart

Where to Watch

The match broadcasts on FS2 in English and TUDN in Spanish. Not attending? San Diego bars and restaurants will be showing the match - check local supporter groups for watch parties.

What's Next

Following Tuesday's Leg 1 at Snapdragon, the series shifts to Mexico City for Leg 2 on Monday, February 10 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The aggregate score winner advances to face Toluca in March.

After the Champions Cup, SDFC's MLS regular season kicks off with a home opener against CF Montreal on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 PM.

View the complete 2026 schedule

2026 Season Tickets

After the most successful expansion season in MLS history, 2026 season tickets are available. Season ticket members get guaranteed access to all home matches, plus 30% off parking, 20% off merchandise, and 10% off concessions. Memberships start at $36 per match.

Learn more about 2026 Season Tickets

More Information

• San Diego FC team guide
• Complete 2026 schedule
• Official San Diego FC website
• Concacaf Champions Cup official site