Vancouver FC Makes History with CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualification

Vancouver Football Club (VFC) has achieved a significant milestone by securing a spot in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup. This marks VFC’s first appearance in the prestigious tournament, following a runner-up finish in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship. The team’s qualification comes as the result of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, earning a place in the 2026 competition through their performance in the Supporters’ Shield standings.

Under the tournament regulations, the winner of the Canadian Championship typically claims one of Canada’s three slots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. With the Whitecaps already qualified, the berth for the Champions Cup was awarded to VFC, making them the first club from the Canadian Premier League (CPL) to reach this level. They join the Whitecaps as only the second Canadian team to compete in this tournament.

Upcoming Tournament and Competition Structure

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is a knockout tournament designed to crown the best club in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It consists of five stages: round one, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The first four stages are played over two legs, while the final will be a single match, with the tournament concluding on May 30, 2026.

Of the 27 teams participating, 22 will enter at round one, with five receiving a bye to the round of 16. The draw for the tournament will take place on December 9, 2025, at 16:00 local time. The competition will kick off in February 2026, setting the stage for clubs to compete for the title and the chance to participate in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Season Finale and Fan Engagement

As VFC prepares for the Champions Cup, they are also focused on finishing their regular CPL season strong. Currently, the team is enjoying an impressive unbeaten streak of five matches. Their final game of the season will take place on October 18, 2025, at Willoughby Stadium, where they will face Calgary Cavalry FC in a fan appreciation match starting at 13:00.

VFC has called on their supporters to fill the stadium one last time this season, expressing gratitude to the Fraser Valley Fanatics, the team’s dedicated fan club. They acknowledged the fans’ passion, enthusiasm, and support throughout the season, promising an engaging experience with shared lyrics and chants for the match.

The team’s excitement is palpable as they look forward to competing against some of the world’s elite teams, including Inter Miami featuring star player Lionel Messi, along with historic Mexican clubs. VFC’s journey to this prestigious competition reflects their determination and resilience, highlighting a promising future for the club and its supporters.