Venue Location
The match will be held at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. This is FC Cincinnati’s home venue, with a capacity of 26,000. The pitch is natural grass, and the stadium is known for its passionate fanbase during international competitions.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM UTC on February 26). Broadcast details include FS2, TUDN, ConcacafGO, and other regional platforms.
Weather Updates
- High temperature: 46–54°F (8–12°C)
- Evening kickoff temperature: Around 32–41°F (0–5°C)
- Conditions: Partly cloudy with a low chance of precipitation (0–3%)
- Wind: 6–12 mph from the southwest
- Humidity: 38–50%
- Other details: Chilly conditions expected; no significant disruptions, but players may need to adjust to cooler temperatures. UV index low (around 4 during the day).
Injury Report
- FC Cincinnati: Evander is out with a hamstring injury sustained in the 10th minute of their MLS opener (2-0 win vs. Atlanta on Feb 21). Kristian Fletcher remains sidelined with a knee injury. Matt Miazga is available after being absent from the injury report. No other major issues reported, though the team will monitor fatigue from a busy start to 2026.
- Universidad O&M: No major injuries reported in available sources. The squad appears at full strength, but potential fatigue from domestic play (including a 2-0 loss to Salcedo on Feb 21) could impact performance. Key players like those involved in recent league wins are expected to feature.
Key
Player Matchups
With FC Cincinnati holding a 4-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, expect rotation to manage injuries while Universidad O&M pushes for a miracle comeback. Key battles:
- Kévin Denkey (FC Cincinnati Forward) vs. Universidad O&M Defense: Denkey scored in the first leg (33′) and netted the opener in the MLS win vs. Atlanta. His physicality and finishing (2 goals in 2026) will challenge O&M’s backline, which conceded four times previously. Defenders like those who struggled in the first leg will need to tighten up.
- Ayoub Jabbari (FC Cincinnati Forward) vs. Universidad O&M Midfield: Jabbari’s brace in the first leg (86′, 90+2′) showcased his late-game threat. With Evander out, his movement could exploit midfielders, creating counters as O&M attacks.
- Tom Barlow (FC Cincinnati Forward) vs. Universidad O&M Center-Backs: Barlow opened the scoring in the first leg (12′). His positioning will test O&M’s defense, especially if Cincinnati rotates attackers.
- Universidad O&M Forwards vs. FC Cincinnati Defense: O&M needs at least four goals without reply. Their attackers, who failed to score in the first leg, will face a solid backline led by Nick Hagglund (scorer vs. Atlanta) and Matt Miazga. Goalkeeper Roman Celentano’s clean sheets in both 2026 games add pressure.
Recent Team Forms
- FC Cincinnati: WW (4-0 away win vs. O&M in CCC Leg 1; 2-0 home win vs. Atlanta in MLS). They’ve scored 6 goals in two games with clean sheets in both, highlighting strong form led by Denkey (2 goals) and Jabbari (2 goals). Substitutes like Gerardo Valenzuela stepped up after Evander’s injury.
- Universidad O&M: LL (0-4 home loss to FC Cincinnati in CCC Leg 1; 0-2 loss to Salcedo in league on Feb 21). Prior to these, they had wins like 3-0 vs. Atlético San Cristóbal and 3-1 vs. Moca FC, but defensive issues persist (conceded 6 in last two games).
Series History
This is the second meeting between the teams. FC Cincinnati won the first leg 4-0 on February 18, 2026, at Estadio Cibao FC (goals: Tom Barlow 12′, Kévin Denkey 33′, Ayoub Jabbari 86′ and 90+2′). Aggregate score: FC Cincinnati leads 4-0. O&M needs at least four goals without reply to force extra time, a daunting task.
Betting Trends
- FC Cincinnati has scored 3+ goals in both 2026 competitive matches, with over 3.5 goals in the first leg.
- Universidad O&M has conceded 6 goals in their last two games, failing to score in the first leg.
- Home teams in CCC second legs win ~85% when leading by 4+ goals after Leg 1 (historical data).
- Trend: FC Cincinnati has clean sheets in both 2026 games; O&M winless vs. MLS teams.
MATCH ODDS
O&M FC + 1400
FC Cincinnati – 800
Draw + 800
Over 3.5 – 105 Under 3.5 – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
