By Alejandro Guzmán
San Diego hosts Tijuana this Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT, with the match available on Apple TV.Â
San Diego and Xolos will meet for the first time in an official competition. Separated by less than 40 kilometers, the matchup brings together two neighboring clubs representing communities on opposite sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.Â
The connection between both clubs has continued to grow beyond the field. On May 16, 2024, when San Diego FC had not yet begun MLS competition, both clubs announced the creation of an annual friendly match between the two sides, further strengthening a regional relationship built around the shared identity of the border region.Â
On Sept. 4, 2025, just 12 days before their first meeting, both clubs announced that the annual matchup would officially be known as the Baja Cup, with a trophy awarded to the winner as part of the new tradition between the neighboring clubs.Â
Since then, the clubs have already met three times in exhibition play, including San Diego FC’s 4-2 Baja Cup victory on Sept. 16, 2025. Two additional closed-door friendlies were played this year at San Diego FC’s Sharp HealthCare Performance Center, both ending in 2-2 draws.Â
The second edition of the Baja Cup is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2026, at Snapdragon Stadium, continuing the annual tradition between SDFC and Xolos. However, Sunday’s match marks the first time the neighboring clubs will face each other with points on the line in an official competition.Â
HEAD-TO-HEAD
- 1st official meeting but have met three previous times in exhibitions
- San Diego won once (4-2), and the other two ended in 2-2 draws
- Record at Leagues Cup: San Diego (1-3), Tijuana (1-9)
LAST FIVE GAMES
- San Diego:
- 1 Win, 1 Draw, 3 Losses
- Tijuana:
- 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss
MAIN STORYLINES
- First official chapter: After three exhibition meetings, the neighboring clubs will finally meet in a competitive match with points on the line.Â
- Border rivalry takes center stage: Separated by less than 40 kilometers, San Diego FC and Club Tijuana represent one of the closest international matchups in North American soccer.Â
- A growing regional connection: The clubs’ annual friendly agreement and the Baja Cup tradition highlight a relationship that continues to expand on both sides of the border.Â
- A chance to respond:Â Both teams opened Leagues Cup with defeats and need a positive result to strengthen their hopes of advancing.
KEY FACTORS
- San Diego:
- The Scandinavian partnership of Anders Dreyer and Marcus Ingvartsen remains one of SDFC’s biggest strengths.Â
- Dreyer has totaled 7 goals and 7 assists in MLS, while adding 1 goal and 1 assist in the Concacaf Champions Cup.Â
- Ingvartsen has contributed 11 goals and 4 assists in MLS this season.
- Tijuana:
- Xolos have conceded only six goals across their last nine official matches, underscoring the defensive organization established by Sebastián Abreu.Â
- Gilberto Mora remains one of Xolos’ most dangerous attacking players, capable of creating chances and changing a match with his quality in the final third.
- Tijuana arrives second in the Liga MX Apertura standings with seven points, trailing only Club América on goal difference.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Both teams head into Sunday’s match looking for their first points of the tournament. San Diego FC opened its Leagues Cup campaign with a 3-1 loss to Club América, while Club Tijuana fell 2-0 to Austin FC, suffering its first official defeat since March 20 and ending an unbeaten run that had lasted more than four months.
Mikey Varas will expect a more clinical performance after San Diego FC created several promising opportunities against América but lacked efficiency in front of goal. Much of the attacking responsibility will once again fall on Anders Dreyer and Marcus Ingvartsen, whose partnership has fueled the club’s offense throughout the season.
On the opposite bench, Sebastián Abreu will look for Xolos to build on the defensive organization they have displayed in recent months while generating more quality chances in transition. Gilberto Mora will once again be one of Tijuana’s primary attacking threats as the visitors look to bounce back from their first defeat in more than four months.
With both teams still searching for their first points, Sunday's matchup carries added significance. The loser would see its hopes of reaching the Knockout Stage become increasingly slim, while the winner would keep its quarterfinal aspirations alive heading into the final round of Phase One.
Despite opening the tournament with a loss to Club América, San Diego FC holds 62% of the Polymarket market. Club Tijuana, meanwhile, sits at 19% after its defeat to Austin.
