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Leagues Cup 2026 begins with six Phase One matches

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Leagues Cup begins

Six MLS and Liga MX matchups will open the 2026 Leagues Cup as clubs begin their pursuit of the title and qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The 2026 Leagues Cup kicks off on Tuesday with six Phase One matches in the Concacaf-sanctioned competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, as they battle for the crown and three spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Columbus Crew vs. Atlas FC

The day’s action will begin with Columbus Crew taking on Atlas FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

The Crew were crowned Leagues Cup champions in 2024 after defeating Los Angeles FC. The team is looking for another successful tournament run after falling just short of the knockout stage last year due to goal differential.

Atlas FC is hoping for a bounce back performance in Leagues Cup after going winless in the 2025 edition.

FC Cincinnati vs. CF Pachuca

FC Cincinnati will host CF Pachuca at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Led by Brazilian standout Evander, the MLS side is on the hunt to add more hardware to its trophy case after winning the 2023 Supporters’ Shield as the team with the most points that season.

Pachuca enjoyed a run to the Quarterfinals in last year’s Leagues Cup before falling 2-1 to the LA Galaxy.

Charlotte FC vs. Pumas UNAM

Charlotte FC will welcome Pumas UNAM to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Charlotte FC will make its fourth Leagues Cup appearance after reaching the Quarterfinals in 2023 and being eliminated in the Group Stage in 2024 and 2025.

In last year’s edition of the tournament, Pumas defeated Orlando City SC in a penalty shootout following its opening match before earning a 3-2 victory over Atlanta United. The Mexican side then fell 3-1 to Inter Miami in its final Group Stage match, ending its tournament.

Minnesota United vs. FC Juárez

Minnesota United will face FC Juárez at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.

The MLS side is targeting a stronger Leagues Cup campaign this year after failing to advance past the Group Stage in 2025. It defeated Querétaro 4-1 in its opener before losing a penalty shootout to Club América and then falling 2-0 to Atlético San Luis.

FC Juárez impressed in last year’s edition of the tournament, falling just short of advancing due to goal differential. It finished with six points, the same total as Tigres UANL and Puebla, which both advanced to the knockout stage.

Tigres UANL vs. Real Salt Lake

Tigres UANL will take on Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Sandy, Utah, USA.

The Mexican powerhouse will make its fourth appearance in the competition after reaching the Round of 16 in 2023 and 2024 and advancing to the Quarterfinals in 2025.

Real Salt Lake forced penalty shootouts in its first two Group Stage matches last year, winning one and losing the other, before defeating Querétaro on the final matchday.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Atlante

Vancouver Whitecaps will host Atlante at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Led by German legend Thomas Müller, the MLS side returns to the tournament for the first time since 2024, when it was eliminated by Pumas in the Round of 32.

Coached by Miguel Herrera, Atlante will make its Leagues Cup debut.

Leagues Cup

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