The fourth matchday of Leagues Cup 2026 delivered another unforgettable slate of action, featuring spectacular goals, penalty shootout drama, comeback victories and several clubs getting closer to advancing to the quarterfinals while others were eliminated from contention.
As the race for the Knockout Stage intensified, standout individual performances once again stole the spotlight. Brais Méndez produced one of the goals of the tournament with a spectacular scissor kick to lift Columbus Crew past Pachuca, while Nahuel Guzmán continued his penalty shootout heroics by leading Tigres to another extra-point victory.
Elsewhere, Juárez completed an impressive comeback in Vancouver to remain perfect through two matches, Cincinnati eliminated Pumas with another clinical performance, and Charlotte ended Atlas hopes of advancing.
Here's a look back at everything that happened across Friday's action
Charlotte 2 vs Atlas 0
Second-half goals from substitutes Liel Abada and Tyger Smalls proved decisive as Charlotte capitalized on its late chances to secure all three points. Atlas Leagues Cup 2026 campaign came to an early end after falling 2-0 to Charlotte on Friday night.
With consecutive victories to open the tournament, Charlotte has taken a major step toward the knockout stage and will look to complete a perfect Phase One campaign when it faces Pachuca on the final matchday.
Columbus 2 vs Pachuca 1
Columbus Crew took another step toward the Leagues Cup 2026 Quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Pachuca on Friday at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
The Crew found spaces in their rival’s defense and began creating chances early before Brais Méndez broke the deadlock with a spectacular goal in the 19th minute, making for a memorable first start with the club. The former Real Sociedad midfielder stole the show with a stunning scissor kick to put Columbus Crew ahead.
Cincinnati 2 vs Pumas 0
Cincinnati continued its strong start in Leagues Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win over Pumas on Friday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Pavel Bucha opened the scoring just before the end of the first half as he received a pass from Evander inside the box, only to dribble past a defender and fire a left-footed shot that Navas barely touched as it went in.
Cincinnati sealed the victory in the third minute of second-half additional time after a counter-attack goal by Kenji Mboma Dem on a strong left-footed finish for a final score of 2-0.
Tigres 0 (4) vs Minnesota 0 (2)
Nahuel Guzmán starred as Tigres defeated Minnesota United 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw Friday at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Leagues Cup 2026.
The veteran goalkeeper was the difference, helping preserve Tigres' clean sheet throughout regulation. In the first half, he made a save in the 19th minute to stop a headed attempt by Mamadou Dieng.
Juárez 3 vs Vancouver 1
Juárez came from behind to defeat Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 on Friday at BC Place, scoring twice in the second half to secure its second victory of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
The victory gives FC Juárez six points from its first two matches, putting Los Bravos in an excellent position to reach the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. For Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the defeat ends any realistic hopes of advancing and extends the club's winless run to five matches across all competitions.
