Cruz Azul vs Vancouver FC: Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
The first round of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup concludes with an intriguing matchup. Cruz Azul, the defending champions, will host Vancouver FC at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. Cruz Azul enters this game with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg.
Cruz Azul vs Vancouver FC: Match Details
The match is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026. Below are the key details:
- City: Puebla, Mexico
- Stadium: Estadio Cuauhtémoc
- Date: February 12, 2026
- Time: 20:00 ET (USA), 19:00 CDMX, 02:00 (Spain)
- Competition: First Round (Return Leg) – Concacaf Champions Cup
Team Overview
Cruz Azul enjoyed a strong performance against Vancouver FC last week, with goals from José Paradela, Amaury Morales, and Agustín Palavecino. Following a 1-1 draw with Toluca in Liga MX, Cruz Azul has the opportunity to rotate their squad. They are expected to rest key players as their opponent needs four goals to eliminate them from the tournament.
On the other hand, Vancouver FC is looking to end their campaign on a positive note. The club recently played its first official match in months and faces a challenging task in Mexico.
Head-to-Head History
This matchup marks the second meeting between these clubs. The previous encounter ended with a 3-0 victory for Cruz Azul. Here’s a brief overview of their head-to-head statistics:
- Cruz Azul Wins: 1
- Vancouver FC Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
Recent Form
Both teams have had mixed results in their last five matches. Here’s a summary:
| Recent Matches | Cruz Azul (Mexico) | Vancouver FC (Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Vs. Toluca | 1-1 | – |
| Vs. Vancouver FC | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| Vs. Juárez | 4-3 | – |
| Vs. Puebla | 1-0 | – |
How to Watch Cruz Azul vs Vancouver FC
Fans can catch the action live on various channels:
- United States: TUDN USA, ViX, Tubi
- Mexico: FOX One
- Canada: One Soccer, FuboTV
Predictions
Despite potential changes in the lineup, Cruz Azul maintains a significant advantage in talent and depth compared to Vancouver FC. The Canadian side aims to defend resolutely to avoid further damage. However, Cruz Azul is favored to secure another victory, possibly with a scoreline of 2-0.
As the defending champions, Cruz Azul is on a quest for their eighth continental title, while Vancouver FC eagerly anticipates their second international match. The stage is set for an exciting encounter at Estadio Cuauhtémoc.
