San Diego FC aims to make Champions Cup history vs. Pumas

Expansion club looks to advance to Round of 16 in first-ever match in Mexico

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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San Diego FC, the surprise expansion team that took MLS by storm in 2025, is on the verge of making more history in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Leading 4-1 on aggregate after the first leg, SDFC travels to Mexico City to face Liga MX's Pumas UNAM, with a spot in the tournament's Round of 16 on the line.

Why it matters

A win over Pumas would be a landmark achievement for the young San Diego franchise, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage in just their second year of existence. It would also set up a tantalizing Round of 16 matchup against reigning Liga MX champions Toluca.

The details

San Diego FC dominated the first leg at home, winning 4-1 and putting themselves in a strong position to advance. Head coach Mikey Varas has vowed that his team will not sit back and defend their lead, but will instead continue to play their attacking, high-intensity style of soccer that made them such a success in MLS last season.

  • San Diego FC won the first leg 4-1 on February 2, 2026.
  • The second leg will be played on February 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.

The players

Mikey Varas

Head coach of San Diego FC who led the expansion team to unprecedented success in their debut MLS season in 2025.

Aníbal Godoy

Veteran midfielder for San Diego FC who has emphasized the team's attacking identity and desire to make history in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Pumas UNAM

The Liga MX club that San Diego FC will face in the second leg, looking to overturn a 4-1 first-leg deficit.

Toluca

The reigning Liga MX champions who would be San Diego FC's opponent in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 if they advance past Pumas.

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What they’re saying

“We will never turn away from our convictions for the style of play that we have. What you will see is San Diego FC going after the game, trying to score goals, trying to score the next goal, trying to be a protagonist.”

— Mikey Varas, Head Coach, San Diego FC (mlssoccer.com)

“It's our culture. I think it's what we've been doing since last year, into the preseason and into this game. We're not going to change.”

— Aníbal Godoy, Midfielder, San Diego FC (mlssoccer.com)

What’s next

If San Diego FC advances past Pumas UNAM, they will face reigning Liga MX champions Toluca in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.

The takeaway

San Diego FC's rapid rise from expansion team to continental contender underscores the club's ambitious vision and commitment to an attacking, high-octane style of play. A win over Pumas would cement their status as one of the most exciting young teams in North American soccer.