LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles FC hosts Deportivo Toluca FC tonight, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal series. The match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT.
LAFC advanced to the semifinals after defeating reigning champions Cruz Azul 4-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinal round. A dominant 3-0 victory at home in the first leg, fueled by a brace from David Martínez and a goal from Son Heung-Min, set the stage for their progression. The California side then secured a 1-1 draw in Mexico, with Denis Bouanga converting a penalty. This marks LAFC’s third appearance in the Champions Cup Semifinals, having previously advanced on both prior occasions. In 2020, they eliminated Club América in a single-match semifinal format.
Toluca returns to the Semifinals for the first time since 2014, making this their seventh appearance at this stage of the tournament. Historically, they have advanced four times and been eliminated twice. They reached this stage after a convincing 7-2 aggregate victory over LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals. Paulinho was instrumental in that series, scoring a hat trick in the first leg and a brace in the second. His six goals in this edition of the tournament tie him with Gabriel Pec for the Top Scorer Award.
Bouanga’s Suspension Impacts LAFC Lineup
LAFC will be without key player Denis Bouanga for the first leg due to accumulated yellow cards. This absence places increased responsibility on Son Heung-Min and David Martínez to lead the attack. Fortunately for Marc Dos Santos, LAFC’s head coach, the team has recently welcomed center back Aaron Long and midfielder Stephen Eustáquio back from injury, bolstering their defensive and midfield options.
Toluca’s Attack Led by Paulinho
Toluca’s potent attack, spearheaded by Paulinho, poses a significant challenge for LAFC. Paulinho’s six goals in the 2026 Champions Cup have not only placed him among the tournament’s leading scorers but also moved him to third on Toluca’s all-time Champions Cup goalscoring list. The team will appear to continue their strong form from the quarterfinal stage, where they overwhelmed the LA Galaxy.
What’s at Stake?
The winner of the LAFC-Toluca series will advance to the single-match Champions Cup final on May 30. Beyond the prestige of winning the continental tournament, the champion earns a coveted spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The other semifinal pits Nashville SC against Tigres UANL of Mexico.
How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live in English on FS1 and in Spanish on TUDN. The second leg is scheduled for May 6 at Estadio Nemesio Díez in Toluca, Mexico.
This Champions Cup semifinal represents a significant test for both LAFC and Toluca, showcasing the growing competitiveness of North American club soccer. The series promises exciting matchups and high stakes as both teams vie for a place in the final and the opportunity to represent Concacaf on the global stage.
The competition highlights the increasing prominence of MLS teams in the Concacaf Champions Cup. LAFC’s journey to the semifinals demonstrates the league’s growing strength and ambition, whereas Toluca represents the continued dominance of Liga MX in the region.
Hugo Lloris, LAFC’s goalkeeper, recently discussed the significance of the Concachampions, comparing it to the UEFA Champions League and emphasizing the importance of the competition for the club.
Next Up: The second leg of the semifinal series will accept place on May 6 at Estadio Nemesio Díez in Toluca, Mexico.
What are your predictions for the LAFC vs. Toluca series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
