One of Phase One's hottest teams meets one of LIGA MX's traditional powers when Chicago Fire FC take on CF Monterrey. The Fire enter the quarterfinals riding high after taking all nine points, capped by a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Cruz Azul. The match will also serve as a homecoming for ex-Fire star Hugo Cuypers, who transferred to Rayados less than a month ago.
Austin FC (MLS 2) vs. Toluca FC (LMX 3)
Austin FC 's Leagues Cup resurgence will face its toughest test yet against reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners Toluca FC. Myrto Uzuni 's hot streak gives Austin reason for optimism despite their struggles in MLS play, but they'll have their hands full against a Toluca side that's established itself among the region's elite.
Club León (LMX 1) vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS 4)
Something has to give when unbeaten Club León take on a Real Salt Lake side that caught fire down the stretch of Phase One. León enter as one of the tournament's hottest teams after a perfect run through their first three matches, while RSL found another gear offensively with seven unanswered goals across their final two games, meaning this matchup could have plenty of fireworks.
Club América (LIGA MX 2) vs. Columbus Crew (MLS 3)
There's plenty of recent history between Club América and Columbus , who renew their acquaintance after meeting in the 2024 Campeones Cup, when Las Águilas prevailed on penalties. Columbus will look to flip that result as they continue their pursuit of a second Leagues Cup title in three years, after winning the tournament in 2025.
MLS - QUALIFIERS
1. Chicago Fire FC
Phase One: 9 points, 3W-OL-0D, +5 GD
2-0 win vs. Necaxa
3-1 win vs. Santos Laguna
2-1 win vs. Cruz Azul
Chicago cruised to the quarterfinals with a perfect record, continuing what's been an impressive 2026 campaign for Gregg Berhalter's side.
The Fire capped their perfect run in dramatic fashion, scoring a stoppage-time winner to defeat Cruz Azul 2-1 at SeatGeek Stadium. With Chicago also enjoying a strong MLS season and recently completing the blockbuster signing of Polish international legend Robert Lewandowski, momentum is building in Chicago.
2. Austin FC
Phase One: 7 points, 2W-0L-1D, +5 GD
2-0 win vs. Club Tijuana
3-0 win vs. Club Puebla
1-1 draw vs. Club América, PK win
Austin FC have enjoyed remarkable success in Leagues Cup 2026, going unbeaten through Phase One to secure their place in the quarterfinals despite an up-and-down MLS campaign.
Uzuni led the charge, with a joint-tournament-best four goals, delivering a hat trick during Austin's 3-0 win over Club Puebla, then scoring a crucial equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Club América to secure advancement. Austin went on to win the ensuing shootout, capping an impressive group-stage performance with eight points.
3. Columbus Crew
Phase One: 8 points, 2W-0L-1D, +3 GD
3-1 win vs. Atlas
2-1 win vs. Pachuca
1-1 draw vs. Pumas UNAM, PK win
Columbus are through to the quarters after an unbeaten Phase One behind stellar performances from recent DP arrival Brais Méndez (2g/1a), who netted a goal contribution in each match.
The Crew opened with a victory over Atlas before serving up some Concacaf Champions Cup revenge in their win over Pachuca. They closed out the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Pumas UNAM, earning the extra point with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory, as goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen came up with the decisive save.
4. Real Salt Lake
Phase One: 7 points, 2W-0L-1D, +7 GD
1-1 draw vs. Tigres UANL, PK loss
4-0 win vs. Atlante
3-0 win vs. FC Juárez
After opening Phase One with a 1-1 draw against Tigres UANL, then falling 6-5 in the ensuing penalty-kick shootout, the Claret-and-Cobalt responded with back-to-back blowout victories to punch their quarterfinal ticket.
Pablo Mastroeni's side cruised past Atlante FC 4-0 before routing FC Juárez 3-0, leaving them with seven points and a +7 goal differential. Diego Luna (0g/2a), DP striker Morgan Guilavogui (1g/2a) and rookie forward Sergi Solans (2g/0a) led the way during Phase One.
LIGA MX - QUALIFIERS
1. Club León
Phase One: 9 points, 3W-0L-OD, +3 GD
1-0 win vs. Nashville SC
2-1 win vs. Orlando City SC
3-2 win vs. Inter Miami CF
Club León booked their place in the quarterfinals with a perfect run through Phase One, winning all three of their matches thanks to Colombian striker Daniel Arcila scoring four of their six goals.
León opened with a victory over Supporters' Shield-leading Nashville SC before defeating Antoine Griezmann and Orlando City . They then completed the perfect group stage campaign with a dramatic win over Lionel Messi and Inter Miami , eliminating last year's runners-up from the tournament and finishing Phase One with nine points.
2. Club América
Phase One: 7 points, 2W-0L-1D, +4 GD
3-1 win vs. San Diego FC
3-1 win vs. Portland Timbers
1-1 draw vs. Austin FC, PK loss
One of LIGA MX's most storied clubs, Club América advanced to the quarterfinals after going unbeaten through Phase One.
Las Águilas opened with back-to-back 3-1 victories over San Diego FC and the Portland Timbers before drawing Austin FC, 1-1, and falling in the ensuing penalty shootout. Former LAFC winger Brian Rodríguez helped lead the way, recording 2g/2a across Améri...
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
