SAN DIEGO, California – CF Montréal will begin its 2026 season tomorrow night at Snapdragon Stadium, facing off against San Diego FC at 10:30 p.m. EST. Fans can watch the match on Apple TV, RDS, TSN, and TSN690 as Montréal aims to start the year strong in this highly anticipated road game. This game marks the first-ever meeting between CF Montréal and San Diego FC, making it a significant opener for the club’s new campaign.
New Leadership and Fresh Beginnings for Montréal
CF Montréal will enter the match under the guidance of Marco Donadel, who takes the helm as head coach for his first full season after stepping in as interim coach in April 2025. Donadel’s leadership is expected to bring stability and a new approach as Montréal seeks to improve its standing within Major League Soccer.
San Diego FC’s Impressive Rise and Recent Form
San Diego FC, MLS’s newest franchise since 2025, finished the previous season atop the Western Conference with a 19-9-6 record. Guided by head coach Mikey Varas, the team made a deep playoff run, reaching the Western Conference final before falling to Vancouver Whitecaps FC. San Diego has already started its 2026 season by competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, defeating Liga MX side Pumas UNAM 4-1 at home in the first leg and advancing after a narrow 1-0 loss away in the second leg.
Montréal’s Season Opener Performance and Key Players
Historically, CF Montréal’s record in MLS season openers stands at five wins, eight losses, and one draw, with 17 goals scored and 22 conceded. Midfielder Samuel Piette brings valuable experience to the squad in his tenth season with the club, holding the team’s record for the most season opener appearances with seven since 2018. Offensively, the team will rely on Prince Owusu, who led Montréal with 13 goals in 2025. Owusu is entering the match tied for 10th place in all-time MLS goal scorers for the club alongside teammates Sunusi Ibrahim, Djordje Mihailovic, and Mason Toye.
Familiar Faces Reunite as Former Montréal Player Joins San Diego
The match will also highlight a reunion with Bryce Duke, who transferred to San Diego over the offseason. Duke made 76 appearances for CF Montréal during his three seasons from 2023 to 2025, contributing five goals and nine assists across 51 starts. His familiarity with Montréal’s style of play adds another layer of intrigue to this opening fixture.
Looking Ahead: What This Opener Represents
This season opener carries significant weight as CF Montréal aims to build momentum under new full-time leadership while facing a confident San Diego squad that has quickly established itself as a Western Conference contender. The outcome could set the tone for Montréal’s ambitions in the 2026 MLS season, while San Diego seeks to capitalize on its recent successes on home turf. Supporters will be watching closely to see how Donadel’s team responds in this landmark first meeting between the two clubs.
