Forge FC Faces Tigres UANL in 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Leg 1 Showdown
As the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup unfolds, Forge FC confronts Tigres UANL in a highly anticipated first leg of their matchup. This exciting game takes place at Hamilton Stadium in Ontario on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT), setting the stage for a thrilling clash in frigid conditions.
Match Overview
The temperature is expected to plunge to around -15 degrees Celsius, marking it as one of the coldest matches in Concacaf Champions Cup history. The home-and-away round one format includes the return of the away goals rule, adding further intrigue to the contest.
Previous Encounters
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Forge FC has drawn a major Liga MX opponent in this competition. Their previous encounters were against:
- Cruz Azul (2022)
- Chivas Guadalajara (2024)
- CF Monterrey (2025)
Despite these challenges, Forge is still in search of their first victory in the tournament.
Tigres UANL: A Strong Contender
Tigres UANL boasts a formidable legacy, having won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2020 and reached the finals three additional times. They recently participated in the Liga MX Apertura final in late 2025, where they faced a heart-stopping defeat in penalties.
Forge FC’s head coach, Bobby Smyrniotis, acknowledged the clout of Tigres, stating they could be the strongest team in Liga MX over the past decade. He emphasized that every team has strengths and weaknesses, making any match unpredictable.
Star Players and Lineup Considerations
Tigres features numerous internationally renowned players, including:
- Angel Correa – 2024 World Cup winner
- André-Pierre Gignac – French international
- Diego Lainez – Mexican national star
Canadian fans will be particularly interested in Marcelo Flores, a midfielder from Georgetown, who has made headlines in Liga MX with three goals in the Clausura season. Reports suggest he may soon join the Canadian men’s national team.
While Tigres has maintained a consistent lineup under manager Guido Pizarro, fatigue from a recent match against León may impact their squad depth in the cold weather. Smyrniotis believes that elite teams typically adapt quickly to adverse conditions, which may diminish the weather’s role as an equalizer.
Forge FC’s Squad Status
Forge FC is poised to field a full-strength lineup against Tigres, featuring new recruits like central defender Antoine Batisse and goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud. However, they will miss forward Nana Ampomah due to visa complications.
As Forge faces Tigres UANL in Hamilton, the stakes are high. The outcome will showcase whether Forge can leverage their home advantage or if Tigres’ quality will prevail amid the frigid temperatures. Fans can look forward to an intense kick-off to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
