Less than two weeks after Vancouver FC learned they will be facing top-tier Mexican team Cruz Azul, the team sold out all of the general admission seats in the east grandstand of Willoughby Stadium in Langley for their first match on Feb. 4.
There were still tickets available for the south grandstanding, but “they are selling fast,” an online VFC advisory warned.
For this match only, the team said the entire west grandstand will be reserved seating “due to unprecedented demand.”
At the Dec. 9 watch party to observe the televised draw for the 2026 Concacaf championships, Vancouver FC president Rob Friend described the match as “David versus Goliath.”
“Who would have thought, you know, three and a half, four years ago, when we launched this club, that we’re [going to be] playing the monster of Cruz Azul,” Friend commented.
“That’s pretty wild, right?” Friend said. “I get chills just thinking about that.”
Eagles earned their place at Concacaf by making it to the 2025 Canadian Championship run to play rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
After finishing as runners-up, Vancouver FC’s qualification hinged on the Whitecaps’ path through MLS Cup and the Canadian Championship. Once their rivals secured their own berth, the final qualification spot officially opened, granting Vancouver FC its first-ever entry into the tournament.
Cruz Azul is one of top teams in Mexican football, boasting nine Liga MX titles, four Copa MX trophies, and a record-setting seven Concacaf Champions Cup titles, including a 2025 5–0 win over the Whitecaps FC.
Vancouver FC will host defending Concacaf champions Cruz Azul at Willoughby stadium on Wednesday Feb. 4. at 7 p.m. then travel to Mexico for their second match on Thursday, Feb. 12.
Two other Canadian Premier League teams are competing in this year’s edition. In addition to VFC, Forge FC will also play during the first window of Round One matches, on Feb. 3 and 4, respectively, while CPL champions Atlético Ottawa enter the competition on Tuesday, Feb. 17.