The exciting 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round One Leg 1 between Atlético Ottawa vs Nashville SC is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. Hosted at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, this matchup features the 2025 Canadian Premier League champions Atlético Ottawa making their tournament debut against MLS playoff qualifiers Nashville SC, with the return leg on February 10 at GEODIS Park in Nashville. The winner advances to the Round of 16.
Atlético Ottawa qualified as CPL champions, capping a dominant domestic season with strong defensive performances and key wins. The team has focused on squad depth, with recent additions like midfielder Maxim Tissot returning from injury to bolster their lineup.
No major new absences reported, allowing coach Carlos González to emphasize high press and home energy in their 4-3-3 setup amid a busy start to 2026.
Nashville SC earned their spot via MLS playoff performance, entering the tournament with a solid defensive record but mixed results in early 2026 friendlies.
Key updates include forward Sam Surridge recovering from a minor knock, while midfielder Hany Mukhtar is fully fit to lead the attack.
Coach B.J. Callaghan deals with no significant injuries, focusing on counter-attacks in their 4-2-3-1 to secure an away advantage in this first leg.
Atlético Ottawa vs Nashville SC Match Date, Time, Predictions, and More
As the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup opens, this TD Place Stadium tie offers Atlético Ottawa a chance to make history in their debut while Nashville SC seeks continental progression.
Ottawa’s home resilience contrasts Nashville’s MLS experience, setting up a tactical battle where the Canadians’ energy could frustrate the visitors, potentially leading to a low-scoring first leg with the tie open for the return.
Team News and Analysis
Atlético Ottawa has a healthy squad, with Maxim Tissot returning to add midfield depth. Their domestic success highlights clean sheets and efficient counters, but facing MLS quality will test their backline. Coach González emphasizes compactness to limit Nashville’s threats.
Nashville SC reports Sam Surridge fit, with no major absences. Their playoff pedigree shows attacking depth, but away vulnerabilities in cold conditions could be exploited. Coach Callaghan prioritizes quick transitions to build a lead for the home leg.
Head-to-Head Record
There is no official head-to-head record between Atlético Ottawa and Nashville SC in professional competition.
- First Leg: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Hamilton Stadium (Hamilton, Ontario)
- Second Leg: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
Atlético Ottawa vs Nashville SC Predicted XI Lineups
Atlético Ottawa Predicted XI (4-3-3):
- GK: Garissone Innocent
- DEF: Tyr Walker, Noah Abatneh, Rony Mbomio, Sergei Kozlovskiy
- MID: Manuel Aparicio, Gabriel Antinoro, Jonantán Villal
- FWD: Ballou Tabla, Richie Enning, Jean-Aniel Assi
This lineup balances defense with Tabla’s pace and Moragrega’s finishing.
Nashville SC Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Joe Willis
- DEF: Andy Najar, Jack Maher, Walker Zimmerman, Dan Lovitz
- MID: Patrick Yazbek, Edvard Tagseth
- AM: Cristian Espinoza (new DP signing), Hany Mukhtar, Alex Muyl
- FWD: Sam Surridge
Nashville emphasizes midfield solidity and Mukhtar’s creativity.
Key Players
- Nashville SC: Key Attackers
- Sam Surridge (FW)
- Hany Mukhtar (AM)
- Cristian Espinoza (RW)
- Atlético Ottawa: Midfield & Technical Leaders
- Ballou Tabla (FW)
- Manny Aparicio (CM)
- Noah Abatneh (CB)
Match Prediction
Nashville SC is predicted to win 2-1, taking a narrow lead back home with their superior quality.
Expect over 2.5 goals in an open tie, giving Nashville a 60% edge in Leg 1.
Where to Watch Atlético Ottawa vs Nashville SC
In the USA, the Atlético Ottawa vs Nashville SC match streams exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Coverage starts at 7:00 PM ET, with live scores on MLSsoccer.com or ESPN.
