By Victor Araiza
Leagues Cup has provided a stage for MLS and Liga MX clubs to test themselves against one another, but the 2026 edition has also delivered first-time meetings that could become the opening chapters of lasting rivalries.
From penalty shootouts and late winners to surprising upsets and elimination drama, Phase One produced several matchups that left supporters eager to see what comes next.
With the Quarterfinals now set, more history is waiting to be written, including the possibility that one Phase One matchup could produce a rematch in the Final or Third Place Match.
LAFC vs. Chivas de Guadalajara
Circled on the calendar as a must-watch matchup even for casual fans, the first-ever meeting between LAFC and Chivas de Guadalajara was one of the highlights of Matchday 1.
A sea of red-and-white Chivas jerseys created the rare sight of LAFC supporters being outnumbered at their own stadium. The 3252 remained a sea of black as two passionate fanbases created an atmosphere worthy of the occasion.
Denis Bouanga opened the scoring in the 38th minute, temporarily taking the lead in the tournament’s all-time scoring race — a position he would battle Lionel Messi for throughout the 2026 edition before reclaiming it at the end of Phase One.
Roberto Alvarado equalized four minutes later, and neither side found a winner in regulation. After the shootout remained tied 4-4 through five rounds, Thomas Hasal saved Luis Romo’s attempt in sudden death to give LAFC a 5-4 victory on penalties.
Orlando City vs. León
The first-ever Battle of the Lions took place in Leagues Cup when Orlando City SC hosted Club León in the second round of Phase One matches.
Both sides entered the match following one-goal victories in their openers and with an opportunity to take another important step toward qualification.
Marco Pašalić gave Orlando the lead in the 38th minute, but León responded in the second half. Juan Guevara equalized in the 54th before Daniel Arcila completed the comeback with the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute.
The result may have come as a surprise to those expecting the hosts to take advantage of playing at home, particularly with Antoine Griezmann going the full 90 minutes.
Instead, León showed its resilience, continuing a run that would carry the Liga MX side through a perfect 3-0 Phase One and into the Quarterfinals.
Inter Miami vs. León
León delivered another surprise in Florida, defeating Inter Miami 3-2 to complete a perfect 3-0 record in Phase One.
The match appeared headed toward halftime scoreless until Daniel Pinter broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute for the reigning MLS Cup champions.
The teams traded blows throughout the second half. Daniel Arcila equalized for León in the 50th minute before Yannick Bright restored Miami’s advantage four minutes later. Juan Pablo Domínguez tied the match again in the 61st, setting the stage for Arcila to complete his brace in the 83rd minute.
The result gave León all three points and denied Miami despite Lionel Messi entering for the second half.
Club América vs. Austin FC
Another first-time encounter required penalties after Club América and Austin FC traded goals during regulation in the Texas capital.
The 16-time Liga MX champions took the lead in the 48th minute through a Jon Gallagher own goal. Myrto Uzuni brought Austin level in the 67th, taking his tournament tally to four goals and moving into a tie with Arcila in the Golden Boot race.
Neither side could find a winner, sending the match to a shootout.
The teams converted their first five attempts before Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver broke América’s perfect streak with a save on Cristian Borja. Austin prevailed 6-5 on penalties to claim the extra point.
Both clubs also advanced to the Quarterfinals, leaving open the possibility of a rematch in the Final if each continues its run.
Chicago Fire vs. Cruz Azul
This encounter effectively became an elimination match, with the Liga MX champions bowing out of the tournament despite being seconds away from a place in the Quarterfinals.
Puso Dithejane put Chicago in front in the 67th minute, but Nicolás Ibáñez equalized for Cruz Azul in the 81st.
With the match seemingly headed for a shootout, Dithejane struck again three minutes into stoppage time to complete his brace, secure all three points for Chicago and send the Mexican side home.
Chicago and Cruz Azul had previously faced off in the inaugural, invitational edition of Leagues Cup in 2019 at the same venue, SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Cruz Azul won that meeting 2-0.
Seven years later, Chicago returned the favor — this time with dramatically higher stakes under the tournament’s modern format.
A draw would have sent both clubs through, adding another layer of drama to a matchup that could be worth revisiting in the future.
The Quarterfinals Await
Phase One planted the seeds for new rivalries, but the Quarterfinals offer an opportunity to create even more history.
Two first-time encounters await, with Monterrey facing Chicago Fire and Toluca meeting Austin. Both matchups will give four clubs the opportunity to write their first chapter together.
León and Real Salt Lake will meet for the second time after facing off during the group stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup. Real Salt Lake won that encounter 3-1 at home, but this meeting will take place at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado — the home of RSL’s rivals, the Colorado Rapids.
The most established history among the Quarterfinal matchups belongs to América and Columbus Crew. The clubs will meet for a third time after first facing each other in the group stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup, when Columbus earned a 4-1 victory. América defeated the Crew 6-5 on penalties in the 2024 Campeones Cup the following year.
Both matches took place at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio — the site of their latest encounter. Now, with one win apiece and a place in the Semifinals at stake, the next chapter could carry even greater significance.
That may be the most compelling part of Leagues Cup as the tournament moves deeper into the knockout rounds.
Phase One has already provided the moments. The question now is which of these new matchups will get the chance to write another chapter.
