The 2026 Leagues Cup now has its four semifinalists, and for the first time since the tournament adopted its current format, four Liga MX teams will be competing in the semifinals leading up to the grand final.
After an intense knockout stage, Toluca, León, América, and Monterrey managed to overcome their respective challenges and are now just one win away from competing for the championship.
This Mexican dominance marks a new chapter in the rivalry between Liga MX and MLS, as none of the U.S. clubs managed to stay in the tournament until this stage.
The matchups are now set: Toluca will face León, while América will take on Rayados.
Toluca vs. León: A Showdown Between Teams Looking to Keep the Roar Going
The first ticket to the grand final will be up for grabs between Toluca and León, two teams entering the match with hopes of winning the tournament.
The Diablos Rojos advanced after defeating Austin FC in the quarterfinals, while the Fiera did the same after thrashing Real Salt Lake.
León’s standout player was Diber Cambindo, who scored a brace in the victory, alongside a goal by Sebastián Vegas.
Now, the players from both clubs will face off in a match that promises to be intense, with much more at stake than just a spot in the final.
The match will take place on Wednesday, September 2, at 8:00 p.m. local time at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.
América vs. Monterrey: The Other Ticket to the Final
The second semifinal will feature two of Mexico’s top teams: América and Monterrey.
Las Águilas secured their spot after defeating the Columbus Crew, while Rayados edged out the Chicago Fire in a match that was decided in the final minutes thanks to a spectacular goal by Orbelín Pineda.
The Monterrey side also had to overcome some tough moments during the match but ultimately drew on their experience to secure a spot among the top four.
Now they’ll face América, which will be looking to stay alive in the tournament and reach another international final.
This match will be played on Wednesday, September 2, at 8:30 p.m. local time at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, California.
Mexico Claims All Four Concacaf Champions Cup Spots
The presence of four Liga MX clubs in the semifinals also has significant implications beyond the Leagues Cup.
The top three finishers in the tournament will earn a spot in the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup; therefore, since all four semifinalists are from Liga MX, all three spots will go to Mexican clubs.
If any of the teams has already secured qualification for the Champions Cup through another route, its spot will be reassigned to the next eligible club according to the criteria established by Liga MX.
Therefore, the four semifinalists still have an added incentive to advance as far as possible.
When will the 2026 Leagues Cup Semifinals be played?
The two matches will be played on Wednesday, September 2.
Toluca vs. León
- 📅 Wednesday, September 2
- 🕗 8:00 p.m. local time
- 🏟️ Shell Energy Stadium
- 📍 Houston, Texas
América vs. Monterrey
- 📅 Wednesday, September 2
- 🕣 8:30 p.m. local time
- 🏟️ Dignity Health Sports Park
- 📍 Los Angeles, California
The matches will be available on Apple TV, while some games may also be broadcast by Leagues Cup’s television partners.
When will the 2026 Leagues Cup Final take place?
The two teams that win their respective semifinals will advance to the 2026 Leagues Cup Final, scheduled for Sunday, September 6.
The Third-Place Match will also be played that same day, featuring the two clubs that lose their semifinal matches.
Thus, the Leagues Cup is entering its final stage, and for the first time, the tournament will feature a semifinal field entirely composed of Liga MX teams.
Toluca, León, América, and Monterrey now have 90 minutes to achieve their goal: to win and get one step closer to the trophy.
