MLS vs Liga MX: The latest chapter
The quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup are set to feature teams from Liga MX and Major League Soccer - and no other leagues.
The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup doesn’t appear destined for any major surprises this time around. By the quarterfinals, the battle for the crown of North, Central America and the Caribbean is shaping up to be an all‑Mexico vs all‑USA affair.
After an intense round of 16, six of the eight spots in the quarterfinals are already locked in. While the Los Angeles Galaxy still have to officially seal their place, it would take a disaster of historic proportions for the Californians to be knocked out: they carry a 3-0 lead over Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant.
A Liga MX vs MLS showdown
Based on the results so far, it’s clear that the race to crown a new CONCACAF champion will run through the region’s two powerhouse leagues. Liga MX already has Cruz Azul, América and Toluca in the next round, after they knocked out Monterrey, Philadelphia and San Diego, respectively.
On the MLS side, Los Angeles FC, Nashville, and the Seattle Sounders have punched their tickets. The league could add two more representatives if the aforementioned Galaxy, as well as FC Cincinnati, finish the job they started in their first‑leg matches.
Four more teams are through to the Quarterfinals! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TYQANlV5mP
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) March 19, 2026
Potential for four Mexico-USA clashes
Given the current standings, all four quarterfinal matchups could turn into direct Mexico-vs-USA clashes - but one comeback will be required to complete the sweep.
The first confirmed matchup is Cruz Azul vs LAFC, marking the second time they’ll meet in a high‑stakes CONCACAF knockout round.
Shortly after, América and Nashville advanced, setting up their duel. The first leg will be played in Tennessee, before shifting to Mexico City’s Ciudad de los Deportes.
Toluca, having dispatched San Diego, now awaits confirmation of the Galaxy’s advancement. For all four ties to feature Mexican vs. American clubs, Tigres must erase a three‑goal deficit and eliminate Cincinnati to earn a date with Seattle. Otherwise, that slot becomes an all‑MLS showdown.
When will the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals be played?
The quarterfinal matchups between the tournament’s top eight clubs are scheduled for April 7-9 for the first legs, with the return matches taking place one week later.
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