FC Cincinnati open the 2026 season with two convincing wins, starting with a dominant 4–0 road victory over O&M FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, their third straight year in the competition, behind goals from Tom Barlow, Kévin Denkey, and a brace from Ayoub Jabbari. FCC then returned home to a sold-out TQL Stadium to defeat Atlanta United on MLS Matchday 1, extending their unbeaten run in home openers under Pat Noonan with late goals from Denkey and Nick Hagglund, though the night was shaped by Evander’s early exit with hamstring tightness. We break down the performances, tactical takeaways, and key stats, discuss the outlook on Evander’s status, and preview what’s next with the Champions Cup return leg at TQL and an upcoming MLS trip to face Minnesota United FC.