LAFC host Cruz Azul in Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinals

The two clubs face off in the first leg of their quarterfinal series on Tuesday evening.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:24pm

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LAFC, the current MLS leaders, will host Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul in the first leg of their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series on Tuesday night. The winner of this two-leg tie will advance to the semifinals of the prestigious continental tournament, which grants a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Why it matters

The Concacaf Champions Cup is the top club competition in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and reaching the final would be a major accomplishment for either LAFC or Cruz Azul. Both teams have had strong starts to their respective seasons and will be eager to progress in the tournament.

The details

LAFC have been dominant in MLS so far this season, going 10 games unbeaten (8W-0L-2D) and sitting atop the league standings. They advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Real España of Honduras and LD Alajuelense of Costa Rica in the earlier rounds. Cruz Azul, a powerhouse in Mexico's Liga MX, will provide a tough test for the Black & Gold.

  • The first leg will be played on Tuesday, April 6, 2026.
  • The second leg will be held at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Mexico on April 14, 2026.

The players

LAFC

The current MLS leaders, who have started the 2026 season unbeaten in 10 games.

Cruz Azul

A Mexican powerhouse club competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.

David Martínez

The rising Venezuelan international who scored the late goal that booked LAFC's passage to the quarterfinals.

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What’s next

The winner of the LAFC vs. Cruz Azul quarterfinal series will face the winner of the LA Galaxy vs. Toluca series in the semifinals.

The takeaway

This Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup between LAFC and Cruz Azul features two of the top clubs in North America, with the winner earning a spot in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup competitions.