Leagues Cup Round of 32 picture getting clearer

With just four games outstanding in the group stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup, the picture for the fixtures of the Round of 32 is getting clearer with just six places to fill from the ‘Central’ groups which include the likes of Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Chicago Fire along with Liga MX sides America and Chivas among others.

In total, thirty teams will progress and join 2022 MLS champions LAFC and 2022 Liga MX Apertura winners Pachuca with both champions securing byes directly into the Round of 32.

The most compelling fixture of Monday’s final four group stage game sees Chivas face Sporting KC with a draw good enough for the MLS side to advance with pressure on the Liga MX outfit.

Next round of Leagues Cup

The Round of 32 gets underway on 2 August and will feature one off games with ties being resolved via a penalty shoot-out should the sides be level after regulation time (no extra time will be played). Games will be played on 2,3 and 4 of August.

Florida derby

Lionel Messi’s debut in the Leagues Cup for Inter Miami has generated global headlines as the Argentine sealed a last minute winner for the Herons against Cruz Azul in his debut with his next game against Atlanta United seeing the striker bag a brace as part of a comprehensive 4-0 win. Tata Martino’s side now face local rivals Orlando City SC in the next stage with the Florida derby one of the standout games of the Round of 32.

The next stage of the tournament has also thrown up a NY Red Bulls-NYCFC ‘Hodson River’ derby and an all Liga MX affair as Antonio Mohamed’s Pumas UNAM face Queretaro.

Final rounds of Leagues Cup

The Round of 16 kicks off on 6 August with games played through to 8 August and the quarterfinals start on 11 August. The tournament winds down with the semifinals on 15 August with the final set for 19 August.