FC Dallas Faces Guadalajara in Critical Leagues Cup Inter-League Clash
Following a shutout victory against Querétero, FC Dallas prepares for a high-stakes encounter with C.D. Guadalajara at PayPal Park. This matchup represents a vital step in the 2026 Leagues Cup round-robin phase as teams vie for spots in the knockout rounds.
Key takeaways
- FC Dallas seeks its second consecutive tournament win following a 2-0 opening victory over Querétero.
- The Leagues Cup no-tie format awards three points for regulation wins and uses shootouts to determine results for draws.
- Top finishers in the tournament qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the winner earning a Round of 16 bye.
- The round-robin Phase One features 54 total matches between MLS and LIGA MX teams across nine days.
Match Overview
FC Dallas enters its second Leagues Cup fixture with significant momentum after securing a 2-0 win over Querétero. The Texas-based club now shifts its focus to C.D. Guadalajara, with the match scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. CT. The contest will take place at PayPal Park, serving as a key moment in the tournament's initial round-robin phase.
Key Facts
- Date and Time: The match kicks off at 8 p.m. CT on Saturday, August 8.
- Broadcasting: English coverage is available on Apple TV and FS1, while Spanish speakers can tune in via Apple TV and FOX Deportes.
- Audio Options: The FC Dallas app and YouTube channel will provide radio coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. CT.
- Format: Matches ending in a draw proceed directly to a penalty shootout; no extra time is played.
- Point System: Teams earn three points for a regulation win, two for a shootout victory, and one for a shootout loss.
Background
The 2026 Leagues Cup utilizes a tiered regional structure to maintain competitive balance between 18 MLS and 18 LIGA MX clubs. During Phase One, which runs from August 4 to August 13, each participating team faces three opponents from the opposing league. Performance is tracked via league-specific tables, where the top four clubs from each league advance to the single-elimination knockout bracket starting August 25.
Why It Matters
Beyond immediate regional bragging rights, the Leagues Cup serves as a primary gateway to international competition. The tournament allocates three berths for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup to the champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher. Notably, the club that secures the Leagues Cup title earns a direct entry into the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16.
What Happens Next
Following the conclusion of Phase One on August 13, the competition transitions to the Quarterfinals held between August 25 and 27. The tournament schedule continues with Semifinals on September 1 and 2, eventually culminating in the Final and Third-Place Match on September 6.
Source: FC Dallas
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