Vancouver FC's incredible run in the 2025 TELUS Canadian Champions may have ended in heartbreak in the final, but it was not without reward.
On Tuesday, Concacaf confirmed that the Eagles qualified for 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the first continental appearance in club history.
The Vancouver Whitecaps had initially earned the Canadian Championship qualification berth after defeating Vancouver FC 4-2 in the 2025 final on October 1 -- their fourth-straight Voyageurs Cup. However, the Whitecaps position in MLS Supporters' Shield standings also qualified them. The Whitecaps reached the final of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
As a result, Vancouver FC were awarded the Canadian Championship qualifying spot as the tournament's runner up. It is a tremendous accomplishment for VFC, who were founded in November 2022.
The 2026 edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup will be the first time that three CPL clubs appear in the competition. The 2025 CPL Shield winners, and 2025 North Star Cup Champions also qualify for the tournament.
The CPL's Forge FC have made three appearances in the Concacaf Champions Cup, while Cavalry FC have qualified twice. The 2026 edition of the competition kicks off on February 3, 2026 with the tournament's official draw taking place on December 9, 2025.