The Leagues Cup has had great particularity in all its editions. This is a tournament that brings together teams from the MLS and Liga MX, but the Mexican clubs have to look for the cup away from home. Marc Dos Santos, coach of Los Angeles FC, recognized that this is a factor that influences the game.
Los Ángeles FC faced Chivas de Guadalajara in the first match of the Leagues Cup 2026. The American team did not go beyond a 1-1 draw in regulation time. They took the extra point via penalties (4-3).
However, the Algerian team had to overcome this complex match in their stadium. This is a factor that added to obtaining the result. Marc Dos Santos is aware of this and calls for more parity.
"I think the Leagues Cup needs to get to a point where it is a 50-50 tournament, with matches in both countries. It is very different playing here than playing in Mexico. I don't think the Mexican clubs have a huge disadvantage. Of course they can win the Leagues Cup, but, in my opinion, for the competition to be really fair, there should be many more matches in both countries," the coach said after the match.
The 2026 Leagues Cup will be played almost entirely in the United States. This is a scenario already experienced. Due to logistical and commercial issues, this tournament is held at the home of the MLS teams. Dos Santos believes that the results could be different if the matches were held on Mexican soil.
"I am very realistic. It is one thing to play these games in the United States and quite another to play a competition in Toluca, Mexico City or any other Mexican field. It is different. We are very strong as locals and we still have to grow as a club to maintain that same level when we play away. That is the next step. What I am clear about is that today the MLS teams are at the same level to compete," he added.
First phase matches in Mexico
There are only four exceptions to the rule. Four matches of the first phase were scheduled to be played in Mexico. These duels are the following:
–Toluca vs. Seattle Sounders (Matchday 1) — Nemesio Diez Stadium (Already played. 3-0 Mexican victory)
–Club América vs. San Diego FC (Matchday 1) — Banorte Stadium (Scheduled for August 6)
–UANL Tigers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Matchday 3) — University Stadium (Scheduled for August 11)
–Toluca vs. FC Dallas (Matchday 3) — Nemesio Diez Stadium (Scheduled for August 12)
