Daily North American Football News

February 17th, 2026

North American Professional Football Roundup: Key Developments from the Past 24 Hours

As the 2026 season ramps up across North American leagues, the past day has brought a mix of contract extensions, high-profile match recaps, and anticipation for international club action. With Major League Soccer (MLS) on the cusp of its opening weekend and Liga MX in full swing, here's a comprehensive look at the major headlines from February 16-17, 2026. This includes recaps from recent fixtures and previews of today's upcoming games in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the region's premier club competition.

Liga MX: Chivas Triumph in Superclasico Over America

In a thrilling edition of the Clasico Nacional, Guadalajara Chivas secured a vital victory over rivals Club America on February 16, maintaining their position at the top of the Liga MX Clausura standings. The match, held at Estadio Akron, showcased Chivas' resilience and attacking prowess, with key goals from forwards Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado sealing the win. America, despite dominating possession in spells, couldn't capitalize on their chances, leading to frustration for the Eagles' faithful.

This result not only boosts Chivas' title aspirations but also intensifies the race in Mexico's top flight. With the Clausura tournament compacted due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, every point counts. Chivas now look ahead to their next fixture against Puebla on February 20, while America aims to rebound against Tigres on February 28.

MLS: Nashville SC Locks in Head Coach B.J. Callaghan with Extension

Nashville Soccer Club made waves on February 16 by announcing a contract extension for head coach B.J. Callaghan, securing his services through the 2028-29 season. Callaghan, who took over mid-2024 and led the team through a transitional 2025 campaign, has been praised for instilling a disciplined, high-pressing style. The extension comes at a pivotal time as Nashville prepares for their 2026 MLS opener against the New England Revolution on February 21 at GEODIS Park.

Club officials highlighted Callaghan's role in building a competitive squad, especially with the World Cup break looming from May 25 to July 16. This move provides stability ahead of what promises to be a challenging year, including the league's return with rivalry matches on July 16-17.

Expert Predictions Heat Up for 2026 MLS Season

With MLS is Back weekend approaching on February 21-22, analysts from Apple TV released their expert predictions for the 2026 Eastern and Western Conference standings on February 16. Inter Miami CF emerged as the consensus favorite in the East, buoyed by their 2025 MLS Cup win and star-studded roster. In the West, LAFC and the LA Galaxy are tipped for top spots, with dark horses like St. Louis CITY SC and San Diego FC expected to make noise.

The predictions emphasize the league's parity, with twists anticipated before the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs begin in November. Key dates include the opening of Inter Miami's Miami Freedom Park on April 4 and the MLS All-Star Game on July 29.

Concacaf Champions Cup: Action Kicks Off Today with MLS Involvement

The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup continues its Round One action today, February 17, featuring several MLS clubs in crucial first-leg encounters. This international competition, running through May, pits top teams from MLS, Liga MX, and other regional leagues in a knockout format, with the winner earning a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Today's fixtures include:

Atlético Ottawa vs. Nashville SC (7:00 p.m. CT, Hamilton Stadium): Nashville enters as favorites against the 2025 Canadian Premier League champions. This marks the Boys in Gold's return to continental play, with the second leg at GEODIS Park on February 24.
Real España vs. LAFC (7:00 p.m. PT, Estadio Francisco Morazán, Honduras): LAFC begins their campaign on the road, aiming to build on recent preseason form. Broadcast on Concacaf GO, OneSoccer, FS2, and TUDN.
Defence Force FC vs. Philadelphia Union (3:00 p.m. ET): The Union face Trinidad and Tobago's Defence Force in a tricky away tie.
O&M FC vs. FC Cincinnati (5:00 p.m. ET): Cincinnati looks to assert dominance against the Dominican side.

These matches follow recent Round One results, including Cruz Azul's dominant 5-0 win over Vancouver FC on February 12, where Luka Romero notched the tournament's first hat-trick. Five teams—Cruz Azul, Club América, CF Monterrey, Tigres UANL, and San Diego FC—have already advanced to the Round of 16.

Nine MLS clubs are competing overall, highlighting the growing integration between North American leagues. The tournament's format includes home-and-away legs until the single-leg final on May 30.

Other Notables

In youth development, CF Monterrey rallied to win the 2026 U-15 Championship in a dramatic "Snow Bowl" on February 14, though this falls just outside the 24-hour window, it underscores the pipeline of talent in North American football.
No major updates from the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) or Canadian Premier League (CPL) in the past day, as both prepare for their seasons starting in March.

As the World Cup year unfolds, North American football continues to build momentum. Stay tuned for recaps of today's Concacaf Champions Cup action and the MLS kickoff this weekend.