Leagues Cup Matchday 3 continues Phase One action
Club América, Cruz Azul and New York City FC are among the clubs in action as Phase One continues.
MIAMI - Leagues Cup 2026 continues on Thursday with six matches as part of Phase One. The Concacaf-sanctioned competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs will see the participating teams battle for the regional crown and three available spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
New York City FC vs. Club Santos Laguna
New York City FC will take on Club Santos Laguna at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, USA.
Both sides are looking to return to the knockout stage for the first time since the 2024 edition of the tournament. New York City FC made a run to the Quarterfinals that year, where it fell in a penalty shootout to the eventual champion Columbus Crew.
Club Santos Laguna advanced to the Round of 32 in 2024, where it lost to FC Cincinnati in a penalty shootout.
Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union will face Cruz Azul at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.
This match will pit the reigning Liga MX champions (Cruz Azul) against the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners (Philadelphia Union).
The MLS side has enjoyed prior success in this tournament, finishing in third place in the 2023 edition, and falling just short in the third-place match the following year.
Cruz Azul will be aiming to advance to the knockout stage for the first time since reaching the Round of 16 in 2024.
Chicago Fire FC vs. Club Necaxa
Chicago Fire FC will host Club Necaxa at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, USA.
The match could mark Robert Lewandowski’s Leagues Cup debut. In Chicago’s most recent match – just his third with the team – the newly signed Polish striker recorded a brace.
Necaxa will seek to advance to the knockout stage for just the second time in Leagues Cup history.
Austin FC vs. Club Tijuana
Austin FC will welcome Club Tijuana to Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, USA.
Los Xolos will look to advance to the knockout stage of this tournament for the first time in club history.
Teenage phenom Gilberto Mora will be hoping to keep making his mark on an international stage, now with Club Tijuana in Leagues Cup. This summer the midfielder became one of the youngest players to ever appear in a World Cup game at just 17 years and 240 days. He also started Mexico’s Round of 32 match against Ecuador, making him the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout game, behind only Pelé in 1958.
Austin FC will aim to advance to the Leagues Cup knockout stage for the first time since reaching the Round of 32 in 2024.
Club América vs. San Diego FC
Club América will host San Diego FC at Estadio Baonorte in Mexico City, Mexico.
It will mark the first Leagues Cup match to ever be played at the iconic venue, and just the second ever in Mexico.
The Mexican powerhouse will aim for a return to the knockout stage after failing to advance in last year’s edition of the tournament. In 2024 Las Aguilas reached the Quarterfinals, and in 2023 they advanced to the Round of 16.
San Diego FC is coming off a historic debut season in MLS, during which the club set all-time records for wins (19) and points (63) among MLS expansion clubs.
Portland Timbers vs. Club Puebla
The Portland Timbers will clash with Club Puebla at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Despite finishing last year’s Group Stage with seven points, the Timbers fell just short of the knockout stage on goal differential.
In 2025, Puebla advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage for the first time in club history, going on to fall to the eventual champion Seattle Sounders in a penalty shootout in the Quarterfinals.
