As Forge FC gears up for its fourth straight appearance in the Concacaf Champions Cup, excitement is rising ahead of the draw on Tuesday, December 9. Sitting in Pot 2, Forge could be matched with one of several heavyweight contenders from Pot 1—home to some of the region’s most decorated and formidable clubs.
Based on the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup regulations, qualification pathways and the Concacaf Club Rankings as of December 8, 2025, each of the 27 participating clubs will be assigned a pre-seeded bracket position or placed into a designated pot. The official pots and seedings will be confirmed on December 8.
Pot 1: The Heavyweights
Pot 1 features elite clubs from Mexico, the United States and Canada—competition-tested sides with deep rosters and significant continental pedigree. Here are Forge FC’s potential opponents:
Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
A potential rematch—and one with history. Cruz Azul defeated Forge in the 2022 Champions Cup and remains one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history with seven titles, tied for the most all-time. The Mexico City giants finished third in Liga MX this season and enter the draw ranked No. 1 in Concacaf.
Key players: Gabriel Fernández, Carlos Rodríguez, Ángel Sepúlveda
Qualifying method: 2024–25 Liga MX best club in overall standings
Inter Miami CF (MLS)
A matchup with Inter Miami carries global intrigue. Lionel Messi remains the centrepiece of the squad, even as major veterans like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retire and questions linger around Luis Suárez’s future. Miami finished third in MLS and currently sits third in the Concacaf club rankings. Should they win MLS Cup on December 6, they would advance directly to the Round of 16.
Key players: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul
Qualifying method: 2025 Leagues Cup runner-up
Club América (Liga MX)
The most popular club in Mexico and one of the continent’s biggest brands, América enter with seven Champions Cup titles and one of the deepest rosters in Liga MX. They finished fourth this season and remain perennial contenders.
Key players: Brian Rodríguez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Alex Zendejas
Qualifying method: 2024 Liga MX Apertura winner
Tigres UANL (Liga MX)
A dominant force in recent years, Tigres’ squad is packed with attacking quality, led by Ángel Correa and Juan Brunetta. They finished second this season and remain one of the toughest possible draws for any Pot 2 club.
Key players: Ángel Correa, Juan Brunetta, Diego Lainez
Qualifying method: 2024–25 Liga MX next best club in overall standings
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)
An all-Canadian clash is on the table. Vancouver finished fifth in MLS, added global star Thomas Müller, and introduced a new head coach—changes that helped lift them into the top five of the Concacaf club rankings. The Whitecaps defeated Forge in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Championship semifinals and went on to win the tournament. If they win MLS Cup on Dec. 6, they earn a Round of 16 bye.
Key players: Thomas Müller, Brian White, Ryan Gauld
Qualifying method: 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield next best club
CF Monterrey (Liga MX)
Another possible rematch—Monterrey eliminated Forge in the opening round of the 2025 Champions Cup. Rayados remain one of the region’s elite, boasting five Champions Cup titles and a roster full of international talent.
Key players: Germán Berterame, Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos
Qualifying method: 2024 Liga MX Apertura runner-up
Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Philadelphia delivered one of the strongest seasons in club history, finishing first in MLS and capturing the Supporters’ Shield. A disciplined and structured team, they currently rank 11th in Concacaf.
Key players: Tai Baribo, Kai Wagner, Jakob Glesnes
Qualifying method: 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield winner
FC Cincinnati (MLS)
Cincinnati finished second in MLS and continued their rise as one of the league’s top sides. Their technical midfield and dynamic attackers could create a compelling matchup.
Key players: Evander Ferreira, Kevin Denkey, Brenner da Silva
Qualifying method: 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield next best club
Pumas UNAM (Liga MX)
A storied Mexican club with three Champions Cup titles, Pumas remain a dangerous opponent despite a dip in form this year that saw them finish 10th. Their up-tempo style and passionate support still make them a challenging draw.
Key players: Jorge Ruvalcaba, Guillermo Martínez, Adalberto Carrasquilla
Qualifying method: 2024–25 Liga MX next best club in overall standings
LA Galaxy (MLS)
The Galaxy’s season didn’t match their strong 2024 campaign, finishing 26th in MLS, but their roster still features big-name talent. They remain one of MLS’s most recognizable clubs and own one Champions Cup title.
Key players: Joseph Paintsil, Marco Reus, Gabriel Pec
Qualifying method: 2025 Leagues Cup third place
Nashville SC (MLS)
An aggressive, high-energy side that bounced back with a solid 2025 season. Nashville sit 20th in the Concacaf rankings and enter the tournament as U.S. Open Cup champions.
Key players: Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Andy Najar
Qualifying method: 2025 U.S. Open Cup winner
LAFC (MLS)
A potential first-ever meeting with LAFC brings star power, including the headline arrival of Heung-Min Son. LAFC finished sixth in MLS and enter the draw ranked eighth in Concacaf. Their possession-heavy style and elite attacking pieces would be a significant test.
Key players: Denis Bouanga, Heung-Min Son, Hugo Lloris
Qualifying method: 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield next best club
Uncharted Territory
Despite Forge FC’s impressive track record in continental competition, the club has still never played a competitive match on U.S. soil. A draw against any MLS side—Inter Miami, LAFC, FC Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Nashville and others—would mark a historic first for the club and a major opportunity to showcase Canadian Premier League talent to a broader North American audience.
Looking Ahead
Forge FC continues to establish itself as one of Concacaf’s most resilient competitors. Whether it’s a rematch against Monterrey or Cruz Azul, a clash with Tigres or Club América, or even a Canada-vs-Canada showdown with Vancouver, the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup promises drama, intensity and marquee matchups.
No matter the opponent drawn, Forge FC will once again represent Canadian soccer with pride and ambition.