The Leagues Cup 2023 group stage is coming to a close, and the first match-ups for the Round of 32 are now being decided, with the knockouts set to begin on August 2. Some of the best MLS and LIGA MX teams already have their next opponents lined up for the next round - here’s a rundown of some of the ties to look forward to.
The matchday on Saturday began with the clash between **Atlanta United FC** and **Cruz Azul**, with a spot in the knockouts on the line. After the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, the Mexican side won the penalty shoot-out 5-4 and booked their spot in the next round. They’ll be facing the winner of the South 4 group in Charlotte FC.
**Charlotte FC** saw off **Club Necaxa** 4-1 on Saturday to claim first place in their group. The result means that the LIGA MX side are out of the competition, while the other team in the group, FC Dallas, will face Mazatlán FC. Charlotte FC will take on Cruz Azul.
The third match this Saturday saw **Club Santos Laguna** take on **Orlando City SC**. The MLS side would go on to win 3-2 thanks to a dramatic late winner, which has seen them finish top of South 2. The LIGA MX side have been knocked out of the competition. As a result, Orlando City will take on Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF in a state derby, while Houston Dynamo FC will face Club Pachuca in the knockouts.
The next fixture decided the outcome of the South 1 group, as **FC Juárez** beat **Austin FC** 3-1. The LIGA MX outfit will now take on the last MLS Cup winners in Los Angeles FC.
The fifth and final event of the evening saw Pumas take on D.C. United. The Mexico City-based side would run out 3-0 victors, securing first place in the pool. The LIGA MX side will go up against the second-placed side from East 1, which will be decided this Sunday in the match between Club Tijuana and Club Querétaro.
For his part, D.C. United will take on Philadelphia Union, who have already clinched first place in Group East 1.
On the whole, the first matchday of the final round of group stage games saw LIGA MX teams come out on top three times, while MLS sides managed two wins. Could this balance between the two leagues continue as the competition progresses?
How do the knockout round matches work?
The outcome will be decided in one single game. The knockout stages start with the Round of 32, with four matches to be played in every one of the four regions in Leagues Cup.
From those match-ups, the winners will go on to the Last 16, consisting of 8 games, and so on until the final, which will take place on August 19. The unlucky semi-finalists will also face off in a match to decide third place in the tournament.
