Thomas Muller Eyes Historic German Record While Chasing Elusive First Whitecaps Trophy
When Thomas Müller joined the Vancouver Whitecaps this summer, the objective was to pursue as many championships as possible.
On Wednesday evening, he and the Whitecaps will get their initial opportunity to achieve this goal, as they seek to capture a fourth straight Canadian Championship, facing off against Vancouver FC from the Canadian Premier League.
With only four victories in 25 games, Vancouver FC occupies the bottom position in the CPL, Canada's FIFA-recognized top division. Meanwhile, the Whitecaps hold fifth place in the MLS standings, as one of three Canadian teams in the American top flight.
For Vancouver FC, it represents a complete fairy-tale cup journey as the first CPL team to reach the final, while the Whitecaps are strong favorites given their MLS standing, three consecutive titles, and status as 2025 Concacaf Champions finalists.
Vancouver FC features multiple players who formerly competed for the Whitecaps at both Academy and senior levels, yet the two teams have never faced each other. They will meet for the first time with the Voyageurs Cup and an automatic spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup at stake.
Muller Could Make German Soccer History, Pass Toni Kroos
While both teams will strive to create their own history and claim victory in the inaugural Vancouver Derby, the Voyageurs Cup could also establish Müller as the most successful German player in history.
Presently, Müller shares the record with former Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos for most club and international honors with 34, and the Canadian Championship would elevate the 37-year-old to the summit, with the MLS Cup Playoffs yet to unfold.
"It will be fantastic for the city to witness a derby," Whitecaps manager Jesper Sørensen commented after the Whitecaps secured their final berth. "Toni has retired...some might say, 'it's merely the Canadian Championship,' but it represents another chapter in his story. I believe it's also another milestone in Thomas's legacy, and I know it's something he desires."
Though Müller didn't participate in the Whitecaps' semifinal cup match against four-time CPL champions, Forge FC and was still with FC Bayern Munich when the Whitecaps faced another CPL team, Valour FC, in the quarterfinals, he will have the chance to claim the trophy in the crucial match.
Following his substitution in the Whitecaps' latest 2–2 tie against Cascadia opponents Seattle Sounders FC in the 62nd minute, he is also anticipated to play a significant role before the home supporters.
"It's crucial, as it's our quickest path to another trophy, so we're approaching this competition very seriously, and so am I," Müller stated before the semifinal second leg. "I'm eager to play my first decisive elimination match for the Whitecaps."
How to Watch Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Vancouver FC - Canadian Championship Final
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
Canada | OneSoccer, FuboTV, TSN |
United States | FS1 |
Vancouver FC on Cinderella Run
To reach the final, Vancouver FC defeated fellow CPL teams, Cavalry FC, and Pacific FC, before overcoming Atlético Ottawa, an affiliate club of Atlético Madrid, 3–2 across two legs to earn their spot in the historic final.
While many of their players possess prior experience with the Whitecaps, none have more than veteran midfielder Nicolás Mezquida, who assisted the Whitecaps in securing their inaugural Canadian Championship in 2015, defeating CF Montréal in the final.
Over the past decade, the Uruguayan midfielder went on to represent the Colorado Rapids in MLS, and departed North America to compete in Uruguay, Cyprus and Greece, before joining Vancouver FC early in 2025.
On Wednesday, nevertheless, he and Vancouver FC will try to achieve their most stunning upset yet, becoming the first club outside of the Whitecaps, Toronto FC, and CF Montréal to win the Voyageurs Cup.
"With our squad, the attitude in the Canadian Championship has been outstanding," said former Whitecaps manager Martin Nash, now head coach of Vancouver FC. "It's been challenging to maintain that same level in the league since I arrived; it's the mindset, and the players possess it within them. It's just about bringing it out of them. For this tournament, we brought it out of them, and they were outstanding."