CF Montreal vs Columbus Crew - Major League Soccer

The Major League Soccer returns to the home ground on September 19, 2026, where CF Montreal and Columbus Crew will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.

Positionally there is a clear hierarchy: CF Montreal sit 15th, Columbus Crew lie 13th, but the Major League Soccer has a habit of defying such logic. CF Montreal are still searching for momentum, LLLLD in their last five and a season win rate of just 20%. Columbus Crew are in the midst of a slump, LLWLL over their last five and a paltry win rate of 24% summing up their struggles. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. If you're Arsenal and wanting to win the Premier League, and you take six points off those teams, then you're near-on winning the Premier League.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. CF Montreal favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Columbus Crew are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. It meant City had a three-man defence of Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ruben Dias when in possession.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer L. Messi, with 19 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. United's scouts allegedly believe he has the potential to become a top-level centre-forward.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Given the balance of the numbers, Columbus Crew look capable of springing a surprise on the road — a 1-2 away victory is a distinct possibility. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".