(San Diego, February 3, 2026) — San Diego FC will make its debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday, facing Pumas UNAM of LIGA MX at Snapdragon Stadium.
The expansion club, coming off a historic first season in Major League Soccer, begins its continental quest against a Mexican powerhouse.
- San Diego FC will compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time.
- The club faces Pumas UNAM in the Round One, Leg 1 match on Tuesday.
- Head coach Mikey Varas acknowledges the challenge of a short preseason but expresses confidence in his team.
San Diego FC Begins Champions Cup Journey
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San Diego FC’s 2026 campaign begins with a significant test as they host Pumas UNAM in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round One matchup (11 p.m. ET | FS2, TUDN). This marks the club’s first foray into the prestigious continental competition.
“We’re really excited,” said head coach Mikey Varas at Monday’s press conference. “We had a short break, short preseason, so it’s a massive challenge to be ready for this moment.” Despite the quick turnaround, Varas expressed faith in his team’s preparation, stating, “The boys have done just a great job of committing to the cause and to the adventure and not making anything an excuse, but just playing the hand we’ve been dealt as best we can. Really, I think the mood is really good.”
Building on Dream Debut
San Diego FC exceeded expectations in its inaugural 2025 MLS season, securing the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed with 63 points and 19 wins – both records for an MLS expansion team. That success has set high expectations for the club as they embark on this new challenge.
Leading the charge for San Diego will be Danish forward Anders Dreyer, who emerged as a Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidate last season, recording 19 goals and 19 assists. Varas emphasized the team’s consistent approach, saying, “I think for us, it’s really, really clear: Every time we step out on the pitch, we want to win the game, and we want to win it our way.”
Continental Quest
To advance to the Round of 16, San Diego FC must overcome Pumas UNAM, a team already four matches into its LIGA MX Clausura campaign. The second leg will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City on February 10, with the winner facing reigning Mexican champions Toluca.
Varas acknowledged the fitness disparity but remains optimistic. “For us, it’s not a problem, it’s just a challenge,” he said. Pumas UNAM features former MLS players Pedro Vite (formerly of Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and Coco Carrasquilla (formerly of Houston Dynamo FC). Varas believes his team can leverage the lessons learned from last season, stating, “We’re going to really lean into our style play, our teamwork and our fighting spirit while we continue to gain our rhythm. I can imagine we’ll be better as the game goes on and as the weeks go on.”
Why It Matters
San Diego FC’s participation in the Concacaf Champions Cup represents a significant step in the club’s development and a validation of its successful inaugural season. The competition provides an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best teams in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and to elevate the profile of the club on an international stage. A strong showing could attract further investment and talent, solidifying San Diego FC’s position as a rising force in MLS and the broader soccer landscape.
