Overview

• Kickoff is Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Q2 Stadium at 8 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network, Paramount+).
• The champion earns a 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup berth and a $600,000 prize, with $250,000 to the runner-up.
• Austin under Nico Estevez has emphasized low possession and defensive solidity, anchored by All-Star goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who signed a two-year extension on Sept. 27.
• Austin has been strong at home (8 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses) while Nashville enters on six straight road defeats.
• Austin’s path included a comeback over El Paso, a win over Houston, a shootout victory against San Jose, and a 120th-minute semifinal winner at Minnesota, as Nashville seeks its first major trophy after a 2023 Leagues Cup final loss on penalties.