There are only two fixtures today to round out the first five matches of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, but they each have a giant from the Liga MX! While both fixtures are mismatches on paper, we all know that giant-killings are real, and upsets DO happen.
How and Where to Watch
Some games will be broadcast in the U.S. via FOX. Others may be broadcast on Spanish-language channels like Univision or TUDN. But my research indicates that all games will be streaming on TUBI’s FOX Sports channel for free. The catch is you only get one free hour. If you use an incognito browser window, your should be able to bypass this restriction. Good luck!
CSD Xelajú MC vs. Monterrey
Estadio Cementos Progreso, Guatemala
Kickoff: 8 pm ET / 5pm PT
Broadcast on FOX2 Sports (English)
Guatemala’s Xelajú are the most successful soccer club not based in the capital Guatemala City.
They’ve won seven national titles since their founding in 1928, most recently the 2023 Clausura and 2024 Apertura. That last achievement put them into the 2025 Central American Cup, where they finished second in the group phase and eventually clawed their way into the finals, requiring extra time in both the quarter and semi-final matches. They lost to Costa Rican powerhouse Alajuelense in penalties, but still secured their spot here. Xelajú are hoping their one-two punch from forwards Steven Cardenas and Pedro Báez can somehow find Monterrey’s net, since their defense can be quite leaky (they conceded 25 goals in the 19 game 2025 Clausura, where they placed 9th).
Monterrey needs no introduction even to the casual soccer fan. Los Rayados have won this competition five times.
Despite a high profile move of striker Germán Berterame to Inter Miami last week, Monterrey’s attack has not suffered. They’ve scored nine goals in four games in Liga MX so far. Anthony Martial, the ex-Manchester United attacker, has netted once and provided two assists, all of which are welcome after a lackluster showing last season. The midfield trio of Iker Fimbres, Sergio Canales and Óliver Torres are also picking up the slack from Berterame’s departure. If manager Domènec Torrent fields his ‘A’ team in Guatemala (and it’s entirely plausible that he would not), expect plenty of goals.
Vancouver FC vs. Cruz Azul
Willoughby Community Park, Langley, Canada
Kickoff: 10pm ET / 7pm PT
Broadcast on TUDN (Español)
Vancouver is the youngest club to compete this year, having started operations back in 2023.
This will also be their first international competition. They are also the “worst” team in terms of performance in their home league, finishing last in the Canadian Premier League. Qualification for the Cup came via the Canadian Championship, where they made a historic run to the finals and lost to their cross-town rivals Vancouver Whitecaps 4 – 2.
The club’s top goal scorer (ever) is Mexican striker Alejandro Díaz with 14. He defected to regional rivals Pacific FC last season, but Ndiaye Pathé and Hugo Mbongue made up for his absence with six goals apiece to lead the Eagles.
Vancouver’s youth sits in stark contrast to the established nous and history of Cruz Azul.
One of Mexico’s most storied clubs, they are also the defending Cup champions, having dispatched FC’s rival Vancouver Whitecaps 5 – 1 last June. That was their seventh time lifting the trophy. Cruz Azul are always tough opponents, even when the team isn’t entirely firing on all cylinders. Regardless of the squad Nicolás Larcamón places on the artificial turf of Willoughby Stadium, Cruz Azul will be the heavy favorites to win by multiple goals.
Upcoming Fixtures
Next week there will be six matches and to complete the first leg of Round One competition.
The Qooligan is a respected Sports Journalist specializing in Soccer, Premier League and Champions League who holds a Masters – History from Columbia University. With extensive experience in Sports Journalism, particularly in Soccer, Premier League and Champions League, The Qooligan provides expert analysis and valuable insights based on years of professional practice. You can read more of The Qooligan’s professional background on Hooligan Soccer and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with The Qooligan on X and Bluesky. The Qooligan is an alias of Hooligan Soccer founder Q Williams. Q is a 20+ year veteran of numerous technology and media companies, including MTV, Gracenote, Watchwith and Crunchyroll. He has a master’s degree in European History from Columbia University. As an established authority in Sports Journalism with specialized knowledge in Soccer, Premier League and Champions League, The Qooligan is committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy content that reflects both expertise and experience.
