Match Preview: Philadelphia Union kickoff 2026 season vs Defence Force In CONCACAF Champions Cup

Preseason has come to a close, and on Wednesday, February 18th, the Philadelphia Union kick off their 2026 campaign in Trinidad and Tobago against Defence Force F.C. in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. 

The Blue and Gold, currently ranked #12 in the CONCACAF Club rankings and entering year two under Head Coach Bradley Carnell, will travel to the Port of Spain for part one of a two-leg series against #85-ranked Defence Force, with the return game coming Thursday, Feb 26th, in Chester. 

The winner of the Round 1 matchup would go on to face Mexican giants Club América in the Round of 16, who knocked the Union out of the Semi-Finals (4-0 aggregate) of the tournament in 2021. 

Champions Cup Qualification Path

Bradley Carnel and the Philadelphia Union punched their ticket to the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup when they lifted the 2025 MLS Supporters Shield in front of their home fans at Subaru Park last October. The Union is one of nine MLS teams ( FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Nashville SC, San Diego FC, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Philadelphia Union) competing in CCC. 

Defence Force, the only club from Trinidad and Tobago to be two-time Champions Cup winners, claimed the 27th and final spot in the 2026 tournament on December 3rd when they placed Third in the Caribbean Cup.  The Defence Force is one of just three CONCACAF clubs (Cruz Azul, Monterrey) to have ever completed the treble, winning the National League title, the FA Trophy, and the Champions Cup in 1985.

Union's Off-Season Roster Moves

This might have been one of, if not the most productive off-season for the Union front office in club history. Only time will tell which moves were worthwhile or not, but for the sake of those who tried and failed to keep up over the off-season, here's a look at all the names who bid farewell to the City of Brotherly Love, and the ones you'll need to learn quickly over the next few weeks. 

OUT
Jakob Glesnes (CB) - Trade to LA Galaxy
Kai Wagner (LB) - Transfer to Birmingham City
Tai Baribo (ST) - Trade to DC United
Mikael Uhre (ST) - Out of Contract
Oliver Semmle (GK) - Option Declined
David Vazquez (MD) - Trade to San Diego FC
Chris Donovan (ST) - Option Declined
Nicholas Pariano (MD) - Option Declined
Isaiah LeFlore (LB) - Option Declined
Neil Pierre (CB) - Loan to Lyngby Boldklub

IN

Club Comparisons

Squad Health For CCC Opener

Bradley Carnell, who enters the competition for the second time as a head coach, gave an injury update on the squad before heading down to the Caribbean. 

Milan Iloski and Indiana Vassilev, who dealt with small knocks over a portion of the preseason, have rejoined the squad and should be close to full health for the start of the year. Bruno Damiani, who was away from the squad to get his Green card sorted, has rejoined and will be available on Wednesday. 

Other than Quinn Sullivan, who is still making his way back from a torn ACL, the only real name that looks to be in doubt for Wednesday's fixture is Jovan Lukic, with a knock to the ribs - and a big loss it would be no doubt.  

Entering his 2nd season with the U, Jovan Lukic was an important part of Union's success last season, making him and Danley one of the best defensive midfield duos in all of Major League Soccer.  

26-year-old Jesus Bueno offers Bradley Carnell coverage in the midfield if Lukic can't go, but fixtures are coming thick and fast, and Union fans will be keeping an eye on Jovan's status closely. 

Predicted Union Starting XI

4-2-2-2

GK: Blake
RB: Harriel, CB: Larsen, CB: Makhanya, LB: Westfield
CDM: Danley, CDM: Bueno
CAM: Iloski, CAM: Anello
ST: Damiani, ST: Alladoh

How to watch Union vs Defence Force F.C.

When: Wednesday, February 18th @ 6:00 pm
Where: Hasely Crawford Stadium - Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Where to Watch: ConcacafGO, OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN