LAFC vs. Cruz Azul: Quarterfinal Clash in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup
As the lights shine at BMO Stadium, Los Angeles Football Club prepares to take on Cruz Azul in the first leg of their quarterfinal match for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup this Tuesday evening.
LAFC, with their new head coach Marc dos Santos, comes into this match boasting an impressive 10-game unbeaten streak. However, their recent 6-0 defeat against Orlando City SC during the international break highlights the challenges they still face.
Cruz Azul represents a different kind of challenge. Last season’s Liga MX top team, they’ve shown they can turn a game on its head. The seven-time champions recently crushed Vancouver FC 8-0 in the first round—a team that previously knocked LAFC out of the MLS Cup playoffs last November. Currently positioned second in the Clausura table, they also have their eyes set on the CCC trophy.
Match Details: How to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on FS2 in the United States, with Spanish coverage later available on TUDN. For those in Mexico, it will also be accessible on Fox One.
Where to Stream
If you’re like me and often find yourself streaming rather than sitting in front of the TV, you can catch the English-language broadcast on platforms associated with FS2 and the Spanish feed through TUDN’s streaming service.
Kick-off Information
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 7th, with kick-off scheduled for 7 PM PT (10 PM ET).
Match Location
The game unfolds at BMO Stadium in LA, where LAFC has maintained an undefeated status throughout the season. They’ll need to establish a strong lead to face Cruz Azul again in the return leg.
Second Leg Details
The second leg will see the teams meet again on April 14 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. This venue, located about 130 miles from Mexico City, will present its own set of challenges, including altitude and crowd noise. Remarkably, Cruz Azul has had to move their home games here due to renovations at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes are high for both teams—the winner will advance to the semifinals to face either LA Galaxy or Toluca. With only four teams left from MLS and Liga MX, national pride is certainly on the line. But beyond that, the tournament winner secures a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, which offers $10 million just for participation in 2025, as well as a ticket to the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Currently, LAFC is ranked 4th in the Concacaf Club Rankings, while Cruz Azul sits at the top. To assert their claim as North America’s elite, LAFC needs to overcome one of Mexico’s storied teams.
Tuesday’s quarterfinals promise more than just a game; it’s about power, pride, and an opportunity for something bigger for both clubs.
