Leagues Cup 2026: Quarterfinal pairings confirmed for August knockout stage
The official schedule for the Leagues Cup 2026 quarterfinals has been released, setting up four clashes between Major League Soccer and Mexican league representatives from 25 to 27 August.
The field for the Leagues Cup 2026 quarterfinals has been finalised following the conclusion of Phase One, with eight teams securing their places in the knockout stages. Four clubs from Major League Soccer will face four LIGA MX opponents in a series of matches scheduled to take place between 25 and 27 August 2026.
The confirmed matchups see Chicago Fire FC take on CF Monterrey, Toluca FC face Austin FC, Club América meet Columbus Crew, and Club León play Real Salt Lake. These fixtures determine the final four spots in the tournament semifinals.
Chicago Fire FC enters the quarterfinals with a perfect Phase One record, accumulating nine points from three wins. Their campaign concluded with a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Cruz Azul. The Fire’s success has been bolstered by the recent signing of Polish international Robert Lewandowski and the continued leadership of manager Gregg Berhalter. Their opponents, CF Monterrey, will be without former Fire star Hugo Cuypers, who transferred to the Mexican side less than a month ago.
In another high-profile encounter, reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners Toluca FC will face Austin FC. Toluca arrives as one of the region’s elite sides, while Austin FC looks to capitalise on a strong run of form highlighted by Myrto Uzuni’s recent performances. Austin advanced with seven points from two wins and a draw, providing a significant test for the Mexican champions.
Club León, unbeaten through their first three Phase One matches, will face Real Salt Lake, who finished the group stage with a surge of seven unanswered goals across their final two games. Meanwhile, Columbus Crew, the 2025 Leagues Cup champions, will renew their rivalry with Club América. The Americans aim to overturn the result of the 2024 Campeones Cup, where they were defeated on penalties, as they pursue a second title within three years.
