LAFC visit Real España in Concacaf Champions Cup Leg 1

The MLS club faces Honduran powerhouse in first leg of Round One matchup

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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LAFC travel to Honduras to take on Real España in the first leg of their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One matchup on Tuesday evening. The MLS club, led by new head coach Marc Dos Santos and star players Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, will look to gain an advantage before the second leg at home on February 24.

Why it matters

The Concacaf Champions Cup is a prestigious continental tournament that grants a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Nine MLS clubs are competing in this year's edition, including LAFC who are aiming for their third final appearance since 2020.

The details

Real España are currently leading the Honduran first division Clausura with a 3-0-2 record, led by the strong individual performances of Darixon Vuelto and Eddie Hernández. LAFC, meanwhile, have made some key offseason additions like Canadian internationals Jacob Shaffelburg and Stephen Eustáquio to complement their existing stars Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga.

  • The first leg will be played on Tuesday, February 17 at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
  • The second leg will be held at LAFC's BMO Stadium on February 24.

The players

Real España

A Honduran professional football club based in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

LAFC

An American professional soccer club based in Los Angeles, California that competes in Major League Soccer.

Darixon Vuelto

A Honduran professional footballer who plays as a forward for Real España.

Eddie Hernández

A Honduran professional footballer who plays as a forward for Real España.

Son Heung-Min

A South Korean professional footballer who plays as a forward for LAFC.

Denis Bouanga

A French professional footballer who plays as a forward for LAFC.

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What’s next

The aggregate winner of the LAFC vs. Real España matchup will face Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense in the Round of 16.

The takeaway

This first leg between LAFC and Real España kicks off an exciting Concacaf Champions Cup campaign for several MLS clubs vying for a spot in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup tournaments.