By Alex Thierry
Atlas and Columbus Crew want to begin their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign on the right foot when they meet in ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
- 1st matchup between them
- Record at Leagues Cup: Columbus (9-2), Atlas (3-6)
LAST FIVE GAMES:
- Columbus Crew:
- 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss
- Won Leagues Cup in 2024
- Atlas:
- 2 Wins, 0 Draws, 3 Losses
- Opened this Liga MX season with two Wins and one Loss
MAIN STORYLINES:
- After winning Leagues Cup in 2024, Columbus followed with another strong tournament showing in 2025, finishing unbeaten in regulation before narrowly missing the knockout stage on goal differential.
- Columbus Crew have scored a goal in each of their last 7 games and will be looking to keep the streak alive.
- Will Cape Verde international Duk find the back of the net for his first Leagues Cup goal?
- What kind of impact will Columbus’ newest signing Brais Méndez have?
- Atlas lost all three games during last year's Leagues Cup, and is looking for their first in Leagues Cup since the 2024 edition.
- How will Atlas react after their performance against Monterrey?
KEY FACTORS:
- Columbus:
- Keeping their net clean would be a huge win for Columbus Crew defense.
- The Crew wins most of their home games when scoring the first goal.
- Atlas:
- The legendary striker Hernán Crespo will manage his second match in charge after opening with a loss to Monterrey.
- Atlas struggles to win when trailing 0-1 at away games.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
A strong start could prove crucial under the 2026 format, where every point carries added weight and draws are not allowed.
The Crew enters Leagues Cup after a dramatic late draw against Inter Miami, where new Designated Player Brais Méndez made an immediate impact. The former Real Sociedad midfielder came off the bench to score the equalizer from a free kick.
After opening the Liga MX season with consecutive wins, Atlas saw its momentum halted by a loss to Monterrey. Now, the Mexican side turns its attention to the Leagues Cup looking to regain that early form.
With two attack-minded teams meeting in Columbus, both Camilo Vargas and Patrick Schulte could be called into action frequently as each side looks to begin its Leagues Cup campaign with a victory.
Polymarket gives Columbus Crew a clear edge at 55%, while Atlas sits at 25% heading into Tuesday's matchup. The market is backing the reigning MLS powerhouse to make a winning start to its Leagues Cup campaign.
