Top moments from the 2026 CAC Semifinals and Play-In Series
Champions Cup spots booked and standout performances.
MIAMI - The 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup Semifinals and Play-In Series delivered memorable moments, including LD Alajuelense and CS Cartaginés advancing to the Final.
Here are some of the top moments that stood out:
LD Alajuelense advances to fourth straight Final
After a scoreless draw in the First Leg, the Costa Rican powerhouse booked their spot in the Final with a 2-1 home win over FC Motagua. It will be the fourth straight Central American Cup Final for Alajuelense, which has won the three prior editions of this tournament, playing in their 15th Final all-time.
CS Cartaginés remains undefeated
CS Cartaginés advanced to the Final after a 3-2 aggregate win over CD Olimpia. The Costa Rican club has enjoyed a stellar tournament and is undefeated with four wins and four draws so far, winning five straight home games, scoring 11 combined goals while only conceding two.
First all-Costa Rican Final in tournament history
Alajuelense and Cartaginés will mark the first Central American Cup Final between two Costa Rican clubs, with Alajuelense winning all three prior editions of this tournament.
Saprissa, Marathon clinch Champions Cup berth
The Play-In Series concluded with Deportivo Saprissa and CD Marathon securing their spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
After a scoreless First Leg, Saprissa advanced past LA Firpo with a 2-1 victory in the Second Leg. CD Marathon punched their ticket with a 2-1 aggregate win over Alianza FC. It will be their first appearance in the Champions Cup since 2021.
Villatoro becomes first coach to reach Final with two different teams
CS Cartaginés head coach Amarini Villatoro is back in the Central American Cup Final again but this time with a different club, as in 2025 he led Club Xelajú to a Final for the first time in 43 years. He will get another shot at Alajuelense in December as he became the first coach to reach the Final with two different teams. Cartaginés hadn’t reached a Concacaf club tournament final since 1995.
