MATCHDAY 7: Final Phase One Matches Begin with Knockout Stage Positioning at Stake

MATCH BY MATCH

TOLUCA vs. NEW YORK CITY FC (Yankee Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET)

New York City FC will have to leave it all on the pitch in front of their home crowd, as they face a must-win scenario to stay alive in Leagues Cup play. Their opponent, Toluca FC, arrives looking to complete an undefeated Phase One and secure a spot in the Knockout Stage.

The stakes are simple for Toluca: a win would all but secure their place in the next round. For NYCFC, however, the path is more complicated. They must win and also get help from other results to stay in the tournament. It all sets up a thrilling finish to Phase One.

COLUMBUS vs. CLUB LEÓN (Lower.com Field, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Columbus find themselves in a position few anticipated. After collecting four points from their first two games, the Crew remain firmly in the hunt for a spot in the Knockout Stage. The mission is clear: win in regulation and score as many goals as possible. With León already eliminated, Columbus have a prime opportunity to improve their standing—especially playing at home.

Playing at home in front of a likely sellout crowd provides an added boost. However, Columbus will face the disadvantage of kicking off before the other four-point teams, meaning they’ll need to play as though every goal counts—because it might. Head coach Wilfried Nancy is expected to deploy an aggressive, front-foot lineup with a priority on early goals and attacking intent.

For León, this is the end of the road. After back-to-back losses, the 2021 Leagues Cup champions have been eliminated from contention.

CF MONTRÉAL vs. CLUB PUEBLA (Stade Saputo, 8 p.m. ET)

Hope remains for both CF Montreal and Puebla in their final Phase One game of Leagues Cup 2025. Each team will need a win and lots of help from the other results to advance.

In a game where losing means going home—and even winning might not be enough—expect both sides to throw the kitchen sink in an effort to score as many goals as possible.

HOUSTON DYNAMO vs. PACHUCA FC (Shell Energy Stadium, 8:30 p.m. ET)

The Houston Dynamo and CF Pachuca renew a historic rivalry between the clubs, as one exits the Leagues Cup Phase One while another aspires to advance to the Knockout Round.

Pachuca is off to a 3-0-0 start in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 and sits atop the early standings. With five points already secured in Leagues Cup play, they aim to lock in their place in the Knockout Stage.

Houston is officially eliminated from advancing in Leagues Cup 2025 following losses to Tigres UANL and Mazatlán FC.

MAZATLÁN vs. SAN DIEGO FC (Snapdragon Stadium, 10 p.m. ET)

Mazatlán FC has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the Leagues Cup so far, and they’ll look to continue their impressive form with another win to stay in the upper half of the standings and secure a spot in the Knockout Stage.

Though unexpected by many, Los Cañoneros have become one of the most consistent Liga MX teams in Leagues Cup play. In every edition they’ve entered, they’ve managed to advance past the opening phase—and they’re on the verge of doing it again.

TIGRES UANL vs. LOS ANGELES FC (BMO Stadium, 10 p.m. ET)

Tigres look to finish a perfect 3-0 Phase One of Leagues Cup 2025 and a no. 1 seed in the Quarterfinals. Meanwhile, LAFC's path to the Knockout Round looks more complicated. Currently 12th in the MLS Phase One table with three points, they’re still alive — especially if they manage a win on Tuesday night — but their fate is no longer entirely in their hands.

Still, the Black & Gold will be hungry for revenge against a Tigres side that has denied them two trophies over the past five years.