Preview: Nashville SC vs Atlético Ottawa (Concacaf Champions Cup)

It's finally here! Nashville SC's 2026 season begins tonight.

On Tuesday night, Nashville SC will take on Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

This marks Nashville's second appearance in the competition, following their Round of 16 exit to Inter Miami in 2024. This is also the first meeting between Nashville SC and any Canadian Premier League club in an official competition.

Match info

Teams: Nashville SC vs Atlético Ottawa
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm CT, Hamilton Stadium, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
TV: Fox Sports 2
Apple TV Commentary:
Forecast: 42º/33º. 35º at kickoff. Cloudy. 3-9 mph winds. 0% chance of rain. 83% humidity.

Atlético Ottawa

The defending Canadian Premier League champions will start their season against Nashville SC, six weeks before their first league kickoff. No CPL team has ever advanced past their starting round in the CONCACAF Champions League/Cup. But with a record three teams in the competition in 2026, the Canuck clubs are hoping to change that.

Ottawa became a viral sensation in the soccer world after midfielder David Rodríguez scored the infamous "icicle kick" in the CPL final. The goal leveled the game, and Ottawa went on to win 2-1 after extra time to lift their first CPL trophy.

WHAT. A. GOAL. 🤯

ATLETICO OTTAWA TIE THE GAME ON AN ABSOLUTELY INSANE BICYCLE KICK IN THE SNOW ❄️😱#CPL pic.twitter.com/A4lZW15ENb
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 9, 2025

What sets Ottawa apart is their place in the Atlético Madrid global family, partnering with the Spanish giants as well as Atlético San Luis in Mexico, giving them an added emphasis on youth development. Over the last few years, they have been able to develop local players and get young players on loan who have played key roles in the club's success.

As it is usually the case with lower leagues in North America, Ottawa will look different in 2026. The departures of key players like Nathan Ingham, Samuel Salter and CPL final hero Rodríguez will surely be felt by Atleti.

That said, retaining head coach Diego Mejía is surely a positive and will bring a sense of continuity to the side. Ottawa shifted to a more expansive style under Mejía, but they will likely opt for a defensive style when facing an MLS giant.

Atleti will be looking at new signing Daniel Aguilar to be the spark needed to compete in 2026. The experienced Mexican midfielder has had stints in top tier clubs in his home country as well as Venezuela. Ottawa also added two Atlético San Luis players on loan for the 2026 season who will likely play a role in the upcoming season.

Following in his footsteps? 🏆@atletiOttawa added Mexican duo Jonantán Villal and Emiliano Garcia on loan from Atlético San Luis. Can they provide a similar spark to last year's CPL Final MVP David Rodríguez? #CPLSoccer

DETAILS: https://t.co/JMMyZNstxa pic.twitter.com/XbRkeT9gfm
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) February 5, 2026

While Atleti will be considered the home side, they still need to travel nearly 300 miles to Hamilton Stadium, with their normal home TD Place undergoing renovations. The weather might be friendly to them, but the environment will be somewhat new to most of the players.

Predicted XI

Nashville SC

Nashville SC snapshot

The Boys in Gold will enter this fixture as the overwhelming favorites. In previous cup competitions, head coach BJ Callaghan has often rotated, especially in the earlier rounds. Some rotation is expected on Tuesday night as Nashville open their MLS season just a few days later.

Given the quality difference between the two leagues, Nashville can field its second team and still be expected to win. This will be a great opportunity for new or low-profile players to show Callaghan and the fans what they have.

Forwards Warren Madrigal and Woobens Pacius will likely make their Nashville SC debut and start the match as the attacking duo, saving superstars Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar for MLS minutes.

Some rotation is expected in midfield and defense as well, with players like Jordan Knight, Thomas Williams and Charles-Émile Brunet likely to get some minutes.

While Nashville's playing style and pillars are staying the same, fans might see Callaghan set up the team differently. The Boys in Gold have tried different formations and shapes, but the focus remains to play on the front foot and have the lion's share of the ball.