Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal preview: next match details & prediction

The next Columbus Crew match sees them host CF Montreal in Major League Soccer Regular Season - 20 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus. The fixture is scheduled for 19 August 2026, with kick-off at 23:30 UTC, and is listed as Not Started. This Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal preview looks at kick-off time, venue, standings, form, head to head and prediction.

Both sides are battling in the Eastern Conference and need points. Columbus Crew come into this round 11th with 20 points from 19 matches, while CF Montreal sit 14th on 17 points from the same number of games. With only three points between them and both teams carrying mixed form, this clash could have a significant impact on their conference positioning as the season moves into its second half.

Match details: date, kick-off & venue

Competition: Major League Soccer, Regular Season - 20
Date / Kick-off: 2026-08-19 23:30 UTC
Venue: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus
Status: Not Started (Fixture has not started yet)

Standings & form

Columbus Crew are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference with 20 points and a goal difference of -4. They have played 19 matches, recording 5 wins, 5 draws and 9 defeats, scoring 27 goals and conceding 31. At home, Columbus have been relatively stronger, with 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses from 9 games, scoring 12 and allowing 9. Away from home they have struggled more, with 1 win, 3 draws and 6 defeats, and a 15–22 goals record. Their recent form line in the league reads LDWLW, suggesting inconsistency but with some positive results mixed in.

CF Montreal arrive in Columbus sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference on 17 points, with a goal difference of -11. Over 19 matches they have managed 4 wins, 5 draws and 10 losses, scoring 25 and conceding 36. At home they have been more competitive (3 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses, 13–11 goals), but their away record is a concern: just 1 win, 1 draw and 7 defeats from 9 road games, with a goals tally of 12 scored and 25 conceded. Their current form string of DDLLD underlines a run without victories and difficulty turning draws into wins.

From the wider season statistics, Columbus Crew have kept 3 clean sheets, all at home, and have failed to score in only 3 of their 19 league outings. They have also taken 4 penalties, converting 3. CF Montreal have registered 4 clean sheets (3 at home, 1 away) but have failed to score in 7 matches, highlighting some attacking inconsistency. From the spot, Montreal have been perfect so far, scoring all 6 of their penalties this season.

Head-to-head

2025-05-14: CF Montreal 1–1 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)
2025-04-05: Columbus Crew 2–1 CF Montreal (Major League Soccer)
2024-05-15: CF Montreal 1–3 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)
2024-04-27: Columbus Crew 0–0 CF Montreal (Major League Soccer)
2023-10-22: Columbus Crew 2–1 CF Montreal (Major League Soccer)
2023-09-02: CF Montreal 2–4 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)
2022-09-09: CF Montreal 2–2 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)
2022-08-03: Columbus Crew 1–2 CF Montreal (Major League Soccer)
2021-09-25: Columbus Crew 2–1 CF Montreal (Major League Soccer)
2021-05-01: CF Montreal 0–0 Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer)

The head-to-head record shows a fixture that often produces goals and tight scorelines. Across these ten meetings, Columbus Crew have enjoyed several wins both home and away, including 2–1 and 2–1 home victories in 2023 and 2021, and notable away successes such as 4–2 and 3–1 in Montreal. CF Montreal have had their moments, including a 2–1 win in Columbus in 2022 and multiple draws (0–0, 1–1, 2–2, 0–0). Overall, the pattern points to Columbus having the edge in recent years, but with Montreal capable of taking points in both venues.

Team news & absences

Both teams will be without several players for this Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal clash, which could influence tactical options and squad depth.

Columbus Crew injuries / absences:

W. Abou Ali – Missing Fixture (Knee Injury)
S. Bangoura – Missing Fixture (Ankle Injury)
J. Thiare – Missing Fixture (Leg Injury)

CF Montreal injuries / absences:

F. Amaya – Missing Fixture (Lower-Body Injury)
W. Carmona – Missing Fixture (Knee Injury)
B. Hidalgo – Missing Fixture (Groin Injury)
E. Morales – Missing Fixture (Toe Injury)
A. Sanchez – Missing Fixture (Inactive)

Key players to watch

P. Owusu (CF Montreal) — 11 goals and 6 assists in Major League Soccer 2026, making him a central attacking threat for the visitors.

Prediction

The prediction model leans towards the hosts. The outlined percentages give Columbus Crew 45% to win, a 45% chance of a draw and only 10% for a CF Montreal victory. The advice for this Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal prediction is a “Double chance: Columbus Crew or draw”, reflecting Columbus’ stronger home record, Montreal’s poor away form and the historical head-to-head edge for the Crew.