Berhalter, Bouanga, Son headline Champions Cup Round One Best XI
MIAMI – Round One of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup concluded following 22 thrilling matches.
There were many excellent individual performances, yet these 11 players stood out the most in their respective positions.
**Goalkeeper **
Pablo Sisniega, San Diego FC – Sisniega was key in goal as San Diego FC made an impressive debut in the Champions Cup with a 4-2 aggregate win over Pumas UNAM. The Mexican goalkeeper played the full 180 minutes in the series, recording a notable 10 saves and collecting a valuable clean sheet in the second leg.
Defenders
Alvas Powell, FC Cincinnati – The Jamaican right-back was an active presence down the right flank throughout the series as FC Cincinnati knocked out O&M FC. Powell scored one of the team’s goals in the 9-nil rout in the second leg, while defensively contributing with six interceptions, three tackles and two clearances to help the MLS side record two clean sheets.
Jack Maher, Nashville SC – Maher led Nashville’s backline in Round One, playing the full 180 minutes in the series and contributing three interceptions as the Tennessee side kept Atlético Ottawa scoreless over both legs.
Jakob Glesnes, LA Galaxy – The Norwegian defender, who was an offseason reinforcement for the Los Angeles club, was a rock at the back as LA Galaxy overcame a tough challenge against Sporting San Miguelito. Glesnes tallied an overall six clearances, four successful tackles, and three interceptions in 157 minutes of play, while also being precise on possession and finishing as the defender with the most passes in Round One with 208.
Midfielders
Obinna Nwobodo, FC Cincinnati – Nwobodo delivered well-rounded performances for Cincinnati, starring both defensively and in attack. The Nigerian midfielder tallied five assists in the series against O&M and contributed on defensive duties with five successful tackles and two interceptions.
Fernando Gorriarán, Tigres UANL – The center midfielder was one of the main men for Tigres against Forge FC. Gorriarán featured the full 180 minutes over both legs, posting a key assist for the opener in the 4-1 victory in the return fixture and pitching in defensively with an overall five tackles and two interceptions.
Sebastian Berhalter, Vancouver Whitecaps – The United States national team midfielder led the midfield unit for the 2025 runners-up as Vancouver Whitecaps prevailed against CS Cartaginés. After a goalless draw in the first leg, Berhalter scored one of the two series-winning goals for Vancouver in the second leg. In all, he played the full 180 minutes, tallying two shots on target, five tackles and one interception.
Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union – Sullivan made history in Round One. With his brace in Philadelphia’s 7-nil victory over Defence Force in the second leg, the midfielder became the youngest player to score for an MLS club in the Concacaf Champions Cup (since 2008-09) and the youngest player to record a brace, at just 16 years, 4 months, and 29 days. Sullivan also dished out three assists in the series.
Forwards
Luka Romero, Cruz Azul – Romero ran the show in the 5-nil win for Cruz Azul in the second leg against Vancouver FC, scoring three of the five goals for the defending champions as he registered the first hat-trick of the 2026 edition.
Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC – Bouanga was clinical scoring three goals in LAFC’s 6-1 first leg win over Real CD España in Honduras, as he recorded his second career Champions Cup hat-trick.
Son Heung-Min, Loss Angeles FC – Son announced himself in style as he made his Champions Cup debut in the first leg against Real España, finishing the match with a goal and three assists to his name.