Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM: Preview, predictions team news

  • Vancouver Whitecaps take on Pumas UNAM in the Leagues Cup Round of 32
  • The Whitecaps finished in first place in West Group 7; Pumas came in second in West Group 1
  • The match will be the first-ever meeting between the two North American teams
Vancouver Whitecaps play host to Pumas UNAM
Vancouver Whitecaps play host to Pumas UNAM / Getty Images
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Leagues Cup Round of 32 action begins this week as Vancouver Whitecaps play host to Liga MX's Pumas UNAM at BC Place.

The Whitecaps secured their place in the knockout stage of Leagues Cup after picking up three points against Club Tijuana and a penalty shootout win over Western Conference foes LAFC. Not many predicted Vancouver to finish atop West Group 7, but Vanni Sartini's team escaped from the group unscathed.

Pumas, on the other hand, began their Leagues Cup campaign with a 3-2 defeat to MLS club Austin FC. However, the Mexican outfit rebounded against rivals Monterrey, winning 1-1 (3-0 on penalties) to secure their place in the Round of 32 along with Austin in West Group 1.

Here's 90min's guide to the Whitecaps vs Pumas.


What time does Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM kick-off?

  • Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Stadium: BC Place
  • Date: Thursday 8 August
  • Kick-off Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM H2H record

This will be the first meeting between Vancouver Whitecaps and Pumas UNAM.


Current form (all competitions)

Vancouver Whitecaps

Pumas UNAM

Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 Club Tijuana - 03/08/2024

Monterrey 1-1 Pumas UNAM (0-3 on penalties) - 03/08/2024

LAFC 2-2 Vancouver Whitecaps (2-4 on penalties) - 30/07/2024

Pumas UNAM 2-3 Austin FC - 26/07/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-4 Wrexham - 27/07/2024

Pumas UNAM 2-0 Pachuca - 21/07/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps 3-4 Houston Dynamo - 20/07/2024

FC Juarez 1-2 Pumas UNAM - 17/07/2024

Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Sporting Kansas City - 17/07/2024

Santos Laguna 1-1 Pumas UNAM - 13/07/2024


How to watch Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM on TV and live stream

Country

TV channel/live stream

United Kingdom

Apple TV - MLS Season Pass

United States

Apple TV - MLS Season Pass

Canada

Apple TV +

All Leagues Cup 2024 matches will be streamed on MLS Season Pass for all subscribers.


Vancouver Whitecaps team news

Tristan Blackmon is out through injury
Tristan Blackmon is out through injury / Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Vancouver will be without defender Tristan Blackmon as he's dealing with a groin injury and is expected to return later this month.


Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup vs Pumas UNAM

Vancouver Whitecaps predicted lineup vs Pumas UNAM ( 3-4-3 ): Takaoka; Laborda, Halbouni, Utvik; Berhalter, Cubas, Vite, Ahmed; Picault, White, Gauld.


Pumas UNAM team news

There are no new injury concerns in the Pumas camp.


Pumas UNAM predicted lineup vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Pumas UNAM predicted lineup vs Vancouver Whitecaps ( 4-2-3-1 ): Gonzalez; Bennevendo, Nathan, Duarte, Magallan; Rivas, Caicedo; Ruvalcaba, Pussetto, Huerta; Martinez.


Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM score prediction

As many didn't think Vancouver would top their group, it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that many also believe they don't stand a chance against Pumas.

However, Vancouver will prove the doubters wrong once again with a narrow victory thanks to goals from Fabrice 'Fafa' Picault and Brian White to reach the Round of 16. Pumas will make things difficult, but Vancouver have a little more quality overall in the final third to edge out the Mexican club at home.

Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Pumas UNAM