While it is the holiday season, the Philadelphia Union are already turning their attention to 2026. After the MLS regular-season schedule was released last month, the Union learned their first opponent of the new year Tuesday night during the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup draw, and the dates and times were released today.

Philadelphia’s Concacaf Champions Cup Path

Philadelphia was drawn into Position A8 and will open the tournament against Defence Force FC, which qualified by finishing third in the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

They will play the away leg on Wednesday, February 18 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad at 6:00 PM ET.

The Union will host at Subaru Park on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM ET.

The Trinidad and Tobago club entered the Caribbean Cup ranked outside the top 100 in the Concacaf club rankings but climbed to No. 93 following its third-place finish. While the matchup may appear favorable for Philadelphia on paper, Champions Cup history has shown that no result can be taken for granted.

If the Union advance, they would face the winner of Club América and Olimpia, two of the tournament’s traditional powers.

Olimpia would likely be the more favorable opponent should they upset Club América, but the two-time Concacaf champion would still present a significant challenge. Olimpia has enjoyed a strong start to its domestic season and currently sits atop the Honduran league table.

If Club América advance, the matchup would evoke memories of the 2021 tournament. América is ranked No. 4 in Concacaf and currently sits fourth in Liga MX, remaining one of the region’s most formidable clubs.

Should Bradley Carnell and company navigate that stage, a potential meeting with Inter Miami — unless Nashville SC intervenes — would likely follow. Neither scenario presents an easy path for Philadelphia.

That does not mean the Union cannot improve or contend for the title. The road will be difficult, but belief remains after another Supporters’ Shield run.

So the question is simple: while advancing past those opponents would be a tall task, is it truly unrealistic to envision the Union reaching a final?

It is still December, and roster decisions remain ahead. But an open mind is warranted.

It will be tough. But great clubs rise above.

Main article photo credit: Concacaf