Philadelphia Union to Face Defence Force F.C. in Cup Opener

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Philadelphia Union learned who they will face in the first round of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The Boys in Blue will take on the Defence Force F.C. of Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a news release, the Philadelphia Union were drawn into the A8 position after a four-pot, double-blind draw, pitting them against the Defence Force F.C. The two sides will face off in February as the Union return to the Concacaf tournament for their fourth appearance, having earned a spot as the 2025 MLS Supporters' Shield Winner.

The Union is ranked 11th out of 187 teams in the Concacaf Club Ranking Index. Philly's Boys in Blue earned their fourth-ever qualification to the 61st edition of the Champions Cup after securing their second Supporters' Shield in the club's history. The Union is one of nine MLS clubs set to compete in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The club previously reached the tournament semifinals in 2020 and 2022.

Defence Force F.C. earned the final 2026 Champions Cup berth on Dec. 3, as the Caribbean Cup third-place team. This year marks Trinidad and Tobago's most successful club in its history, with 20 national championships to its name, according to the Union's news release.

The dates for the Union's two parts of Round One will be revealed by the confederation soon. Subaru Park will serve as the host site for the second leg of Round One.