Vancouver FC Makes History with CONCACAF Champions Cup Berth

Vancouver Football Club (VFC) has secured its first-ever spot in the prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking a significant achievement for the team. This qualification comes after VFC’s impressive runner-up finish in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship. The club will represent Canada in the tournament, which is recognized as the top club competition in North, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The pathway to this historic berth was clarified when Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup through their performance in the Supporters’ Shield. This allowed VFC to claim the Canadian Championship berth for the upcoming tournament, following the established competition rules. VFC now becomes the first club from the Canadian Premier League (CPL) to reach this stage, and only the second Canadian team overall to do so.

The CONCACAF Champions Cup features a knockout format consisting of five stages: round one, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The initial four rounds are played in a two-legged format, while the final is decided in a single match. Of the 27 clubs participating, 22 will enter at round one, with five receiving byes directly to the round of 16.

CONCACAF has announced key dates for the tournament, including the draw scheduled for December 9 at 16:00. The competition will kick off in February 2026, culminating in the final on May 30. The winning team will earn a coveted spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, further enhancing the stakes for this year’s tournament.

“Belief, resilience, and momentum have carried us all the way to North America’s biggest stage,” VFC expressed on social media. The club’s players are eager to face off against some of the world’s most recognized teams, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and the historic “Big 4” clubs of Mexican football.

As VFC prepares for this monumental challenge, the team is also focused on finishing their regular season strong. Currently, they are on a five-match unbeaten streak and will host the Calgary Cavalry FC for their season finale on October 18. The match, scheduled to begin at 13:00 at Willoughby Stadium, is being promoted as a fan appreciation event.

VFC has urged their supporters to fill the stadium for a memorable send-off to the 2025 season. “Let’s pack Willoughby one more time and celebrate our journey together,” they announced, acknowledging the unwavering support of their fan club, the Fraser Valley Fanatics. The team is committed to creating an unforgettable atmosphere, inviting fans to join in with lyrics and chants to make the stadium come alive.

This moment is not just a milestone for Vancouver FC, but a promising sign for the growth of soccer in Canada. With two additional CPL clubs set to join the CONCACAF Champions Cup next year, the future looks bright for Canadian soccer on the international stage.