Leagues Cup 2026 quarterfinals set after Messi's Miami eliminated

The Leagues Cup 2026 group stage concluded Thursday, setting the quarterfinal bracket with four MLS and four Liga MX teams. Inter Miami and Lionel Messi were eliminated after a 3-2 home loss to León, a major blow to the tournament's appeal Source: El Colombiano.

The bracket

Quarterfinal matchups are: León vs. Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire vs. Monterrey, América vs. Columbus Crew, and Austin FC vs. Toluca Source: Excélsior. All games will be played in the United States between August 25 and 27, with no extra time—ties go straight to penalties Source: CNN.

Key results

• León finished as the only Liga MX team with a perfect record (9 points), beating Nashville, Orlando, and Inter Miami Source: Excélsior.
• América advanced with 7 points after a 1-1 draw and penalty shootout loss to Austin FC Source: Infobae.
• Chicago Fire topped the MLS standings with a perfect group stage Source: CNN.
• Cruz Azul was eliminated on goal difference despite reaching 6 points, losing to Chicago Fire Source: Excélsior.

Disagreements

Sources differ on the group-stage win totals: El Colombiano reports 32 MLS wins to 22 for Liga MX, while CNN counts 28 to 19 Source: El Colombiano Source: CNN.

What's next

América could host Columbus Crew at Estadio Banorte if the organizing committee confirms the venue, as they meet the hosting criteria Source: Infobae. The quarterfinal dates and venues are yet to be officially announced Source: Excélsior.