A historic night awaits in San Diego as the club makes its first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup appearance against Mexican giants Pumas UNAM.
The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One Leg 1 between expansion side San Diego FC vs Pumas UNAM from Liga MX is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 8:00 PM PST (11:00 PM ET).
Hosted at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, this two-legged tie marks San Diego FC’s debut in the tournament, with the winner advancing to the Round of 16. The return leg is February 10 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City.
San Diego FC, entering their second MLS season after qualifying as 2025 U.S. Open Cup champions, has shown promise domestically but faces a stern test against experienced CONCACAF competitors.
The team reports no major new injuries, allowing coach Josh Wolff to field a full-strength squad emphasizing high press and home dominance at Snapdragon Stadium. Key additions like Hirving Lozano (former Pumas player) provide familiarity and attacking threat.
Pumas UNAM, seven-time Liga MX champions, qualified via strong domestic performances and enter as favorites with their tactical discipline.
Coach Efraín Juárez deals with minor concerns but boasts a healthy roster, focusing on midfield control and counter-attacks. The Auriazules aim to exploit San Diego’s relative inexperience on the continental stage.
San Diego FC vs Pumas UNAM Match Preview: Date, Time, Predictions, and More
In this CONCACAF Champions Cup opener at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego FC’s home energy and attacking flair meet Pumas UNAM’s experience and defensive organization.
The hosts seek a first-leg advantage in their debut, while Pumas look to control the tie with possession. Expect a competitive affair with goals likely from transitions, setting up an intriguing return leg in Mexico City.
Team News and Analysis
San Diego FC has a clean bill of health, with Wolff prioritizing rotation for freshness. Their MLS form highlights quick counters, but defensive lapses could be exposed against Pumas’ quality.
Pumas UNAM reports no significant absences, allowing Juárez to deploy a balanced lineup. Their Liga MX consistency shows attacking depth, but road vulnerabilities may be tested by San Diego’s home crowd.
Head-to-Head Record
San Diego FC and Pumas UNAM meet for the first time in competitive play, with no prior encounters. Pumas’ continental experience gives them an edge in this debut matchup.
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | No previous meetings | N/A |
San Diego FC vs Pumas UNAM Predicted XI Lineups
San Diego FC has announced their official CONCACAF Champions Cup roster ahead of its opening match against Liga MX club Pumas UNAM.
San Diego FC Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Dos Santos; Verhoeven, Pilcher, McVey, McNair; Alvarado, Tverskov, Valakari; Lozano, Ingvartsen, Maarten.
This setup leverages Lozano’s creativity and Ingvartsen’s finishing for home dominance.
Pumas UNAM Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
González; Monroy, Silva, Magallán, Ergas; Caicedo, Ruvalcaba; Ruvalcaba, Suárez, Martínez; Huerta.
Pumas emphasize midfield balance with Huerta and Martínez leading the attack.
Key Players
For San Diego FC, Hirving Lozano (familiar with Pumas) brings vision and goals, while Anders Dreyer adds wing threat.
For Pumas UNAM, Guillermo Martínez poses a constant danger upfront, with César Huerta providing pace and creativity.
Match Prediction
Pumas UNAM is slightly favored to win 2-1 or draw 1-1, capitalizing on experience, with a 55% chance of an advantage after Leg 1. Expect over 2.5 goals in an open tie, setting up tension for the return.
Where to Watch San Diego FC vs Pumas UNAM
In the USA, the San Diego FC vs Pumas UNAM match streams exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Coverage starts at 8:00 PM PST, with live scores on ESPN or Concacaf platforms. In Mexico, watch on TUDN or ViX. For highlights, check CONCACAF’s official channels.
How to Watch in the USA
- English Language: The matches will be broadcast live on FS2 (Fox Sports 2).
- Spanish Language: You can watch the broadcast on TUDN or Univision.
- Streaming:
- The games are available through the Fubo TV live stream (free trials available for new users).
- You can also watch the matches through the Fox Sports App and TUDN App by logging in with your cable provider.
