Venue Location
The match will take place at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This multi-purpose stadium has a capacity of approximately 54,000, though configured for soccer it seats around 21,000. The pitch is artificial turf, known for its fast surface and the venue’s electric atmosphere during continental games.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET / 2:30 AM UTC on February 26). Broadcast options include OneSoccer, FS2, TUDN, and ConcacafGO in select regions.
Weather Updates
- High temperature: 48°F (9°C)
- Evening kickoff temperature: Around 45°F (7°C)
- Conditions: Cloudy with periods of rain (chance 40–50%)
- Wind: 6–12 mph from the southwest
- Humidity: 80–90%
- Other details: Mild but wet conditions possible; no major disruptions expected, though rain could affect play on the artificial turf. UV index low (around 2 during the day).
Injury Report
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC: OUT: Sam Adekugbe (Achilles), Ryan Gauld (knee), Belal Halbouni (knee). QUESTIONABLE: Bruno Caicedo (visa issues/not due to injury). The team will miss key contributors, particularly Gauld’s creativity in midfield, but depth options like Pedro Vite and Sebastian Berhalter are available. No new injuries from the recent MLS win.
- C.S. Cartaginés: No major injuries or suspensions reported. The squad is at full strength, with key players like Marcel Hernández and goalkeeper Kevin Briceño available. Fatigue from a recent domestic loss (0-2 to Sporting San José on Feb 22) could be a factor.
Key
Player Matchups
With the aggregate tied 0-0 from the first leg, Vancouver holds home advantage but must navigate injuries. Expect a tactical battle, with the ‘Caps controlling possession as in Leg 1 (76% possession). Key matchups:
- Brian White (Vancouver Forward) vs. C.S. Cartaginés Defense: White, who led Vancouver with 15 goals in 2025 MLS, will test Cartaginés’ backline led by William Quirós and José Vargas. White’s movement and aerial ability could exploit gaps, especially with Cartaginés conceding in recent games. In Leg 1, Vancouver had 15 shots but couldn’t break through.
- Pedro Vite (Vancouver Midfielder) vs. C.S. Cartaginés Midfield: With Gauld out, Vite’s vision (key in the MLS opener win) will challenge midfielders like Allen Guevara and Cristopher Núñez. Vite’s ability to dictate tempo could unlock counters if Cartaginés pushes for an away goal.
- Marcel Hernández (Cartaginés Forward) vs. Vancouver Defense: Hernández, Cartaginés’ top scorer with 8 goals in Clausura, has pace to trouble Vancouver’s backline, including Ranko Veselinović (questionable) and Tristan Blackmon. Hernández was quiet in Leg 1 but could spark if given space.
- Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Goalkeeper) vs. Cartaginés Attack: Takaoka’s clean sheet in Leg 1 (no saves needed due to dominance) faces a test from Cartaginés’ desperate need for goals. Goalkeeper Kevin Briceño’s 5 saves in Leg 1 highlight the reverse matchup.
Recent Team Forms
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC: W D (1-0 home win vs. Real Salt Lake in MLS; 0-0 away draw vs. Cartaginés in CCC Leg 1). They’ve kept clean sheets in both 2026 games, with strong possession but needing better finishing (15 shots in Leg 1). New coach Jesper Sørensen has emphasized structure.
- C.S. Cartaginés: L W L W D (0-2 away loss to Sporting San José; 1-0 away win vs. Pérez Zeledón; 0-1 home loss to Herediano; 2-1 home win vs. Liberia; 0-0 home draw vs. Vancouver in CCC Leg 1). Solid domestically (2nd in Clausura) but defensive in Leg 1 (0 shots on target), relying on counter-attacks.
Series History
This is the second meeting between the clubs, with no prior history. The first leg on February 18, 2026, ended 0-0 at Estadio Fello Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica. Aggregate score: Tied 0-0. Away goals are not in effect; a draw would force extra time, and penalties if needed.
Betting Trends
- Vancouver has kept clean sheets in both 2026 games, with under 2.5 goals in each.
- Cartaginés has seen under 3.5 goals in 12 of their last 13 games, and under 2.5 in recent home outings.
- Home teams in CCC second legs win ~75% when tied after Leg 1 (historical data from similar ties).
- Trend: Vancouver unbeaten at home in openers; Cartaginés has +1.5 handicap cover in 6 of last 7 away games.
MATCH ODDS
C. S. Cartagines + 700
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 300
Draw + 400
Over 2.5 – 120 Under 2.5 + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
