MLS and Liga MX teams head into the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals in contrasting form

The MLS–Liga MX rivalry is about to heat up again. All four matchups in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals will pit American clubs against Mexican sides, setting the stage for another battle for regional supremacy. And after this past weekend’s league action, it’s the MLS teams that appear to be heading into the tournament in better form.

Of the eight teams still alive in the competition, only two picked up wins over the weekend — and both came from MLS. That gives the American clubs a noticeable edge in momentum heading into these cross-border clashes.

Liga MX teams stumble ahead of quarterfinals

Yes, the four Liga MX teams still competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup rested many of their starters at the beginning of their league matches. But even after sending in their big names, none of them managed to turn things around.

• Tigres fell 1–0 on the road to Tijuana.
• Toluca suffered the same 1–0 fate against Querétaro at Estadio Corregidora.
• Cruz Azul, who will face LAFC in the quarterfinals, lost at home to Pachuca.

The only Mexican club to salvage a point was Club América, which drew 1–1 with Santos Laguna in Torreón. Even then, América couldn’t capitalize late despite playing against 10 men.

MLS Clubs enter the quarterfinals in better shape

On the MLS side, two teams delivered strong statements — one of them an outright demolition.

• LAFC, Cruz Azul’s upcoming opponent, crushed Orlando City 6–0, a result that sent a clear message across the region.
• Seattle Sounders, who will take on Tigres, earned an impressive road win in Houston. Both LAFC and Seattle currently sit among the top five in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, LA Galaxy and Nashville SC did drop their weekend matches to Minnesota United and the Chicago Fire, respectively, though both rotated their lineups.

When are the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals?

The first legs will be played between April, 7–8, with the second legs scheduled for April 14–15.

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