The moment of truth has arrived. Cruz Azul and Vancouver Whitecaps will clash this Sunday, June 1, in the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup a showdown that not only crowns the regional champion but also grants a ticket to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and this year’s Intercontinental Cup.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Cruz Azul will look to capture its seventh continental title, while the Whitecaps aim to make history as the first Canadian club to lift the trophy.

Cruz Azul Seeking Redemption and Silverware

After falling short in the Liga MX semifinals, Cruz Azul wants to finish the season on a high note. With six Concacaf titles already under its belt, the club is just one win away from tying archrival Club América as the tournament all-time leader.

Their road to the final has been impressive: a 7–0 aggregate rout of Real Hope from Haiti, a 4–1 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders, and back-to-back 2–1 victories over Mexican giants Club América and Tigres UANL.

Sunday match could also mark the farewell of head coach Vicente Sánchez, who is reportedly stepping down after just six months in charge.

“Reaching the final is the result of a lot of hard work and gratitude,” said the Uruguayan after their semifinal win. “We want to give back to the fans by winning trophies that what Cruz Azul demands.”

Vancouver Arrives in Top Form and Ready to Shock

On the other side, the Vancouver Whitecaps arrive full of confidence, form, and belief. Riding a 15-match unbeaten streak across all competitions and sitting atop the MLS Western Conference, the Canadians are dreaming big on Mexican soil.

Vanni Sartini team has already taken down major opponents: first, Costa Rica Saprissa, then Monterrey and Pumas UNAM from Mexico, and finally, a resounding 5–1 aggregate win over Lionel Messi Inter Miami in the semifinals.

“We don’t back down from anything,” declared midfielder Andrés Cubas. “We’ve already won important matches in Mexico to get here, and this time won’t be any different. It’s one game, one shot to make history.”

Vancouver is just the third Canadian club to reach a Concacaf final, following Montreal (2015) and Toronto FC (2018), both of whom lost to Mexican teams. Now, the Whitecaps aim to rewrite the script and bring home their first major international title.