San Diego FC will play in its first CONCACAF Champions Cup match this Tuesday, February 3, against Pumas UNAM at Snapdragon Stadium.

The competition is the most prestigious tournament on the continent, and SDFC earned a spot in it due to the club’s major success last season.

There has been plenty of drama in the offseason concerning Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, as the Mexican forward will not be part of this team. Lozano was not registered to play in the Champions Cup and is still currently looking for a move away from San Diego.

SDFC is yet to sign any other Designated Players, but did make several moves in the offseason, like renewing Anders Dreyer’s contract. Other major departures include Paddy McNair and Luca de la Torre, while the most significant signing so far is Lewis Morgan, who last played with New York Red Bulls.

The Epic Match of The Week ⚔️

🇺🇸 San Diego vs Pumas 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/4TMRcNuxyF

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 3, 2026

Morgan offers another option in San Diego’s attack with Lozano’s departure. Anders Dreyer was already the key player in Mikey Varas’ attack and is set to have even more weight on his shoulders this season.

Pumas UNAM is coming off a huge 4-0 win over Santos Laguna and is undefeated in Liga MX after four games. The team from Mexico City has two wins and two draws in the 2026 Clausura and will have home-field advantage in the second leg of this matchup.

Pumas has a very well-balanced side with former Real Madrid star Keylor Navas in the net, captaining the side. The midfield is perhaps Pumas’ strongest component with Panama international Adalberto Carrasquilla and youngster Cesar Garza.

The capital city team’s attack is also intriguing, with players like Robert Morales, Jordan Carrillo, and Juninho. The midfield matchup between countrymen Carrasquilla and Anibal Godoy has the potential to be very hard-fought and physical.

Efrain Juarez is also an exciting young manager, and it will be interesting to see his approach in this match. SDFC will undoubtedly control possession in this match, while Pumas may try to bank on counter-attacking plays.

Jeppe Tverskov is another key player for San Diego who has the potential to be vital in this game against Pumas’ midfield core.

Pumas UNAM is one of the most popular teams on the continent and is set to have several fans present at Snapdragon Stadium. It will be intriguing to see the possibly electric atmosphere at the Mission Valley Fortress to begin the new season.

This match is a respectable test for San Diego to start the year in what has the potential to be a very tough matchup. One other thing to consider for this tournament is that the tiebreaker for this round is away goals. SDFC’s backline will need to be rigid and try to go into the away fixture with no away goals allowed.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.