Vancouver Whitecaps open CONCACAF Champions Cup run with 0-0 draw vs. C.S. Cartagines

By Canadian Press on February 18, 2026.

CARTAGO — The Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off their 2026 campaign with a 0-0 draw against Costa Rican side C.S. Cartagines in CONCACAF Champions Cup play on Thursday.

The ‘Caps were the dominant side for much of the match, controlling 76.5 per cent of the possession across the game.

The visitors also outshot Cartagines 15-7 with a 5-0 edge in on-target shots, but Vancouver couldn’t get a ball past goalkeeper Kevin Briceño.

The Whitecaps come into the tournament between the top teams in North America and Central America, looking to improve upon last year’s performance, where they made the final but fell 5-0 to Liga MX giants Cruz Azul.

Cartagines will visit Vancouver for the back half of the two-legged aggregate opening round series on Feb. 25.

The Whitecaps will open their Major League Soccer season on Saturday when they host Real Salt Lake.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2026.

The Canadian Press