CHESTER, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union will welcome Cruz Azul, Club Necaxa, and Santos Laguna of Liga MX to Subaru Park this August for the first phase of the 2026 Leagues Cup. The announcement, made in partnership with the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee, sets the stage for a competitive tournament following the FIFA World Cup.
The Union will kick off their Leagues Cup campaign on Thursday, August 6th, against Cruz Azul. They’ll then face Club Necaxa on Sunday, August 9th, and conclude the group stage against Santos Laguna on Thursday, August 13th. All three matches will be played at Subaru Park, providing a home advantage for the Union as they navigate the competition.
Specific kickoff times and ticketing information will be released in the coming weeks, the team confirmed. Fans eager to witness the interleague action are encouraged to monitor the Philadelphia Union’s official website and social media channels for updates.
Philadelphia Union earned their spot in the 2026 Leagues Cup by virtue of winning the 2025 Supporters’ Shield, a testament to their consistent performance in Major League Soccer. The team is looking to build on recent success, having reached the semifinals of the Leagues Cup in both 2023, and 2024. This year’s tournament presents another opportunity to showcase their talent against some of the top clubs in Mexico.
The 2026 Leagues Cup will follow the format introduced in 2025, emphasizing consistent matchups between MLS and Liga MX teams. The tournament’s structure is designed to create a clear path to the championship, with a focus on cross-border rivalries.
Phase One of the competition will feature 54 matches, all contested between clubs from both leagues. Results from these initial games will determine separate Leagues Cup standings for MLS and Liga MX. The top four clubs from each league will then advance to the Knockout Rounds, ensuring a competitive field as the tournament progresses.
Interleague matchups are guaranteed through the Quarterfinals, meaning MLS teams will consistently face off against their Liga MX counterparts. This format continues through the Semifinals, culminating in the Third Place Match and the Leagues Cup Final. The structure aims to provide meaningful competition at every stage and reinforce the growing rivalry between the two leagues.
The Leagues Cup 2026 is strategically positioned immediately after the FIFA World Cup 2026, capitalizing on the momentum of a landmark year for soccer in North America. Organizers hope to further solidify the tournament’s position as a premier competition on the global soccer calendar. The tournament, sanctioned by Concacaf, will feature a total of 36 clubs – 18 from Liga MX and 18 from MLS.
Beyond the on-field competition, the Leagues Cup 2026 also carries significant implications for continental qualification. The tournament will award three qualifying spots for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher will all earn a place in the prestigious competition, with the champion receiving a direct entry into the Round of 16. The Concacaf Champions Cup serves as the pathway for clubs to compete in FIFA’s international club competitions, offering a chance to represent the region on a global stage.
Philadelphia’s upcoming matches against Cruz Azul, Necaxa, and Santos Laguna promise an exciting start to their Leagues Cup journey. The Union will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage and build on their recent successes as they compete for a coveted spot in the knockout stages and a chance to lift the Leagues Cup trophy. For fans in Chester, and across the region, the arrival of these Liga MX powerhouses represents a unique opportunity to witness top-tier international soccer firsthand.
The Union’s recent history against Mexican opposition offers a glimpse into the challenges ahead. A review of past Leagues Cup matches shows a 1-1 draw against Cruz Azul on August 4, 2024, with Cruz Azul ultimately winning the shootout 5-3. This prior encounter will undoubtedly add another layer of intensity to their August 6th rematch at Subaru Park.
As the 2026 Leagues Cup approaches, the focus will shift to team preparations, player fitness, and tactical strategies. The Union, under the guidance of their coaching staff, will be working diligently to refine their game plan and ensure they are fully prepared to compete against some of the best teams in North America. The coming months will be crucial as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament and solidify their position as a leading force in MLS.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Philadelphia Union is their Leagues Cup opener against Cruz Azul on Thursday, August 6th at Subaru Park. Keep an eye on the team’s official channels for kickoff time and ticketing details. What are your predictions for the Union’s performance in the 2026 Leagues Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
