The British Columbia capital hosts the first Salish Sea Derby of 2026 as Pacific FC welcome provincial rivals Vancouver FC to Royal Athletic Park on Sunday.
Just a three-year-old rivalry, it has already delivered some classic moments. The second ever meeting, back on June 2, 2023, saw a CPL joint-record nine goals scored in a 6-3 Pacific win at the Langley Events Centre. Last year, on June 27, 2025 they played to a 4-4 draw at Starlight Stadium, including three goals scored after the 89th minute.
In 13 total meetings, the sides have combined for over four goals per game -- so while both are still looking to find their full attacking rhythm, history says to expect goals on Sunday.
Sitting in the league's bottom two spots through four matchweeks, this is going to be a fiercely contested match between the only two teams in the league who are still searching for their first win.
Vancouver came painfully close to getting it this past weekend in the nation's capital, where they led deep into stoppage time before a heartbreaking Emiliano García equalizer.
The hosts, meanwhile, are now winless in 14 straight matches dating back to August of last year. They are still searching for their first win at Royal Athletic Park, after falling 1-0 to Forge this past Sunday at the stadium.
The two sides met at Royal Athletic Park last season on September 13, in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw in what was dubbed the 'Downtown Derby'.
It will be a homecoming for Vancouver FC head coach Martin Nash, who grew up in Victoria before heading to the mainland to begin his pro career with the Vancouver 86ers.
John Nash, Martin's father, coached Pacific coach James Merriman with Victoria United, who played their games at Royal Athletic Park. Martin's brother, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash, would join in training sessions. So there is plenty of history coming into this game.
The match comes during a big time for the sport in the province and country, as Vancouver hosted the 76th FIFA congress on Thursday ahead of being a host city for this summer's World Cup.
Vancouver FC owners Dean Shillington and Rob Friend were seen posing with the team's kit with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the proceedings.
But the pagentry ends when the teams hit the pitch, with both teams desperate to not only take the first Derby of 2026, but also get themselves on the board this season.
NEWS & NOTES
- Pacific FC captain Josh Heard has two matches remaining in his suspension.
- Central defender Juan Quintana is back in training for Pacific, but is not expected to be available as the club makes sure he is fully ready for action after a long time away with injury.
- On Friday, Pacific FC announced the signing of BC-born winger Marley Edwards.
- Vancouver FC will be missing midfielder Damiano Pecile with a minor injury.
PROJECTED STARTING XIs
Vancouver FC: Irving; Doner, Field, Campagna, Gee; Polisi, Fotsing, Mezquida; Traore, Amissi, Bah
Pacific FC: Melvin; Marshall, Belluz, Konincks, Greco-Taylor; Gomulka, Juhmi; Bustos, Daniels, Kratt; Díaz
KEY QUOTES
"We all feel we're heading int the right direction, but now it's time we gotta start picking up three points and to start moving up the table. The good thing about this league too is that if you can win a couple of games in row you just right back up the table." — Vancouver FC head coach Martin Nash
"We know that it's a big game the Derby, but we like this. This is why you start to play football for these kind of games, and I'm sure we will do good and score some goals." — Vancouver FC attacker Mohamed Amissi
"Every match I think has grown in terms of the Derby match. Some unpredictable games, some big results. A lot of momentum shifts in the match, regardless of how we set up for the match plan, or moments where you feel in control. It seems like each team pushes and has something to say later in the game. I think we can expect the same thing...I think on top of that, both teams are in the same spot in terms of maybe knocking on the door and being right there, but not able to get that positive result. So you can expect a high-energy game and a very meaningful match early in the season for both teams. " — Pacific FC head coach James Merriman
"I think it's something that we shouldn't shy away from. It's there. It's everyone knows it. So it's a bit of pressure is a privilege. We unfortunately put that pressure on ourselves that we need those three points. Now it's up to us to own that pressure and to deal with it and make sure that we get those three points. I think it only brings an even more meaningful [significance] to this game." — Pacific FC defender Diego Konincks