The stage is set for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, as Liga MX giants CF Pachuca will host Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew in a single-match showdown for the region’s top club prize. The final, originally scheduled for June 2, has been moved up a day to June 1 at 7:15 PM local time (9:15 PM ET) at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, Mexico, to avoid conflict with Mexico’s national elections.

Pachuca, the higher-ranked team in the tournament’s knockout stages, will host the final after a dominant campaign that saw them top the standings. The match will determine the CONCACAF champion and secure the confederation’s fourth and final slot in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

What You Need to Know

• Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
• Time: 7:15 PM local (9:15 PM ET)
• Venue: Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico (elevation: ~8,000 feet)
• Teams: CF Pachuca (Liga MX) vs. Columbus Crew (MLS)
• Format: Single match, 90 minutes + extra time if necessary, penalty shootout if tied
• Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)

How We Got Here

Pachuca’s path to the final was marked by dominance. After receiving a bye in the first round, they dismantled Philadelphia Union 6-0 before dispatching Herediano 7-1 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Pachuca edged out América 3-2 on aggregate, setting up a clash with Monterrey, whom they defeated 5-2 to reach the final.

Columbus Crew, meanwhile, began their campaign with a 2-1 aggregate win over Houston Dynamo. They then overcame UANL in a dramatic semifinal, winning 2-2 on aggregate before prevailing 4-3 on penalties. This marks the Crew’s first-ever appearance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final.

Estadio Hidalgo: A High-Altitude Showdown

Estadio Hidalgo, located at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, is known for its challenging conditions for visiting teams. The stadium has hosted four previous CONCACAF Champions Cup finals (2007, 2008, 2010, 2017), making it a familiar but formidable venue for the Columbus Crew.

Stakes and Implications

For Pachuca, a victory would secure their fifth CONCACAF title and solidify their status as one of the continent’s most successful clubs. The triumph would also earn them a coveted spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they would join the elite of global club football.

The Columbus Crew, representing Major League Soccer, would make history as the first MLS team to win the CONCACAF Champions Cup. A win would not only be a landmark achievement for the franchise but also underscore the growing competitiveness of North American soccer on the continental stage.

How to Follow

The final will be broadcast live on major sports networks, including ESPN and Univision, ensuring fans across the Americas can witness the historic clash. For those attending in person, Estadio Hidalgo promises an electric atmosphere, with Pachuca’s passionate supporters expected to turn out in force.

Key Takeaways

• Pachuca host the final due to their superior performance in the knockout stages.
• The match is a single-elimination showdown for the CONCACAF Champions Cup title.
• A winner will earn a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
• Estadio Hidalgo’s high altitude could play a factor in the outcome.
• This is the Columbus Crew’s first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup final appearance.

As the two teams prepare for their showdown, all eyes will be on Estadio Hidalgo. With the stakes higher than ever, this final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Next up: The final match between CF Pachuca and Columbus Crew takes place on June 1 at 7:15 PM local time (9:15 PM ET) at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, Mexico. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the teams battle for the region’s top prize.

What are your predictions for the final? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.