Atlético Ottawa Faces Nashville SC in 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Opener
Atlético Ottawa is set to face Nashville SC in a significant match on January 10, 2026. This contest marks the club’s inaugural appearance in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and can be watched on OneSoccer. This event comes just 100 days after Atlético Ottawa triumphed in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) final.
Recent Achievements and Changes
The last match Atlético Ottawa played, a snow-covered victory over Cavalry FC, was highly memorable. This CPL final, featuring David Rodríguez’s celebrated icicle kick, attracted over a billion views. However, the team has experienced significant changes since that victory.
- David Rodríguez, the CPL final match MVP, has departed.
- Top scorer Sam Salter moved to GAIS in Sweden.
- Nate Ingham, nominated for the Golden Glove, joined Cavalry.
- Captain Alberto Zapater has announced his retirement.
New Look for the Team
With these notable departures, Atlético Ottawa is looking for new players to step up. New goalkeeper Garrisone Innocent is among those expected to make an impact. Additionally, the team has secured loans for several players:
- Jonantan Villal
- Emiliano Garcia
- Erling Myklebust, a Norwegian striker
Playing Conditions and Venue
The match will be held at Hamilton Stadium instead of TD Place due to ongoing construction. This game represents a “home” leg for Atlético Ottawa. Weather conditions are anticipated to be unseasonably warm, differing greatly from the freezing temperatures seen in previous matches.
Nashville SC is familiar with competing in colder climates due to their experience in Major League Soccer. This matchup presents a crucial opportunity for Atlético Ottawa to build upon their recent successes and establish themselves in the international soccer arena.
Looking Ahead
This match serves as a platform for Atlético Ottawa to showcase its potential on a larger stage. By participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the club aims to prove its competitiveness at a continental level. As they embark on this new journey, the eyes of fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
