MIAMI – Following the start of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, it’s time to review the Key Takeaways from the opening week of the competition.

Xelajú exhibits further growth on the continental stage

CSD Xelajú MC kicked off the 2026 Champions Cup with a 1-1 stalemate against five-time winners CF Monterrey in the First Leg of its Round One series at home in Guatemala City. 

The result marked the third time Los Chivos drew at home in a First Leg encounter in the competition, having advanced once and being knocked out once in the previous instances.  

Additionally, the goal from Joffre Escobar against Rayados was the first of his career in the competition and made club history for Xelajú, as he became first Ecuadorian player to score for the club from Quetzaltenango in Concacaf Champions Cup history.  

San Diego FC announces itself in style in the Champions Cup

San Diego FC had an impressive debut in the Champions Cup, delivering a convincing 4-1 comeback victory at home against Pumas UNAM in the First Leg of their Round One series. 

San Diego became the MLS club to score the most goals in its first Champions Cup match, and just the third club in tournament history to win its first match while scoring four times against a Liga MX opponent.

History achieved by reigning champions Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul kicked off its title defense with a 3-nil win against Vancouver FC in the First Leg of its series in Canada. La Máquina made history with the result, as the Mexico City side reached 120 matches and 70 victories in the Champions Cup. Cruz Azul is the Mexican club with the most games and wins in competition history, notably being the only one to surpass 100 games. 

Young talent leaves its mark in first week of 2026 edition

San Diego FC’s victory left behind another highlight for the week. Manu Duah netted the club’s first-ever goal in the Champions Cup at 20 years, 7 months, and 29 days, and became the youngest MLS player to score the debut goal since MLS clubs began competing in the tournament in 1996.