Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face Mexican sides Atletico San Luis, Monterrey, and Leon in the first phase of the 2026 Leagues Cup, which will feature matches in Mexico for the first time. The fourth edition of the tournament, featuring clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX, will be played from August 4 to September 6, kicking off less than three weeks after the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada ends.
Inter Miami, champions in 2023, is among 18 MLS clubs that will compete alongside 18 Mexican clubs trying to bring the trophy to Mexico for the first time. The Columbus Crew captured the title in 2024, while the Seattle Sounders topped Inter Miami in the final last year. The 36 participants will be divided into two groups—one from MLS and one from Mexico—and the top eight will advance to the quarter-finals, with cross-league matchups in each bracket.
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Miami will play their three matches in the first phase at their brand-new stadium, named Nu Stadium, which is set to open in April. Messi’s team will make their debut on August 5 against Atlético de San Luis, followed by a match against Monterrey on the 8th, and another against Club León on the 12th. Of the 54 matches in the first phase, four will be played in Mexico.
Toluca will host the Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas on August 5 and 12. On the 11th, Tigres will host the Vancouver Whitecaps, led by German star Thomas Muller, while América will host San Diego FC at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium on a date yet to be determined. The tournament will award three berths to the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the champion qualifying directly for the round of 16 of that competition.
© 2024 AFP
