Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union
Who: Philadelphia Union vs Defence Force FC
What: Concacaf Champions Cup, 1st Leg
Where: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
When: Wednesday, February 18, 6:00 PM EST
Watch: FS2 & TUDN
Whistle: N/A
The Boys in Blue are back in action, traveling to Trinidad & Tobago to kick off their 2026 campaign in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with a matchup against Defence Force FC.
Their most recent Champions Cup run came in 2024, when they advanced past Costa Rican side Deportiva Saprissa with a 3–2 aggregate victory before falling in the quarterfinals to Liga MX’s CF Pachuca. The Union previously reached the semifinals in both 2021 and 2023, underscoring their growing presence in the competition.
The stakes are high once again — beyond a significant prize purse, the tournament champion secures a berth in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Scouting Report: Defence Force FC
Founded in 1974 and comprised of Trinidad & Tobago Army and Coast Guard personnel, Defence Force FC are the most successful club in the country, with 20 national championships. They remain the island’s only club to win a CONCACAF title, lifting the continental trophy in 1978.
They qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup as the Caribbean Cup third-place finisher and will face an American side for the first time in club history.
Domestically, they’re in strong form, leading the TT Premier Football League at the midway point with a 11W–0L–3D record and a +28 goal differential.
Injury Report: N/A
Disciplinary Report: N/A
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
The Union return to the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time in two years, kicking off their competitive calendar before the MLS season begins. Philadelphia look to maintain a high-press, counter-attack, but with a dramatically refreshed roster.
A 2025 league-leading squad was overhauled with the departures of Jakob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, Tai Baribo, and Mikael Uhre, prompting significant reinforcements. The club broke its transfer record to sign striker Ezekiel Alladoh and added multiple new defensive options.
Injury Report: Quinn Sullivan (Out; Knee), Jovan Lukic (Questionable; Ribs)
Disciplinary Report: N/A
Matchup to Watch: Union High Press vs. Defence Force FC’s Discipline
Philadelphia’s identity under Bradley Carnell is built on an aggressive high press and quick transitions. With several new faces still building chemistry, how effectively the Union trigger their press (and how cleanly they counter-press after turnovers) will be key. Defence Force enter unbeaten domestically and boast a +28 goal differential, suggesting they’re comfortable controlling matches. If they can stay compact and break the first line of pressure, they could create dangerous moments in transition. If not, the Union’s tempo could tilt the match early.
Player to Watch: Ezekiel Alladoh
The club-record signing striker will be under the spotlight as he leads the line in play. Brought in to help offset key attacking departures, Alladoh’s movement and finishing will be central to turning the Union’s pressing sequences into goals. In what could feel like a trial run for a new-look XI, a confident performance from their new No. 9 would go a long way in setting the tone for the season.
Prediction: Union 2 -1 Defence Force FC
Philadelphia will look noticeably different than the side that lifted last year’s Supporters’ Shield title, but the Union have never lost their opening match while playing in CCC.
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