The Philadelphia Union arrive at the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup on the back of their second Supporters’ Shield given to the club that wins the MLS regular season. This is the Union’s fourth continental appearance, demonstrating both stability and ambition over multiple campaigns.
The club has a multi-national make-up to the squad led by veteran Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake and the ageless midfielder Alejandro Bedoya (38). The team is also known as a factory for producing some of the best young talent in the country to form a squad capable of managing phases of play both domestically and in international knockout formats.
Tactically, the Union are known for their organization and adaptability, traits that tend to serve well in two‑legged continental ties. Their match against Defence Force FC, will be a contrast of styles.
Success for Philadelphia will hinge on control in midfield and clinical execution in key moments. The club’s ability to grind results out which was a hallmark of their Supporters’ Shield run could prove decisive.