Columbus Crew Announce 2026 Leagues Cup Opponents

The Crew will face off against Club Pachuca, Atlas FC, and Pumas UNAM in the 2026 tournament.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Columbus Crew have announced their opponents for the 2026 Leagues Cup, a competition featuring top clubs from MLS and Liga MX. The Crew will face a rematch against Club Pachuca, who they defeated in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Final, as well as matches against Atlas FC and Pumas UNAM. All Crew matches will be played at their home stadium, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Why it matters

The Leagues Cup has become an important annual tournament, showcasing the growing rivalry and competitiveness between MLS and Liga MX clubs. The Crew's participation, as the 2024 champions, will be closely watched as they look to regain the title and qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The details

The Crew's first matches in the 2026 Leagues Cup will be against Atlas FC and Pumas UNAM, who have a combined 10 Liga MX titles. Columbus is unbeaten in Leagues Cup play, with an 8-0-3 record, while forward Diego Rossi is tied for the fourth-most goals in competition history. The 2026 Leagues Cup will follow the same format as 2025, with a Phase One of group play followed by a knockout round.

  • The 2026 Leagues Cup will take place from August 4 – September 6.
  • The Columbus Crew won the 2024 edition of the Leagues Cup, defeating LAFC 3-1 in the final.

The players

Columbus Crew

The professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio, who are the defending 2024 Leagues Cup champions.

Club Pachuca

A Mexican professional soccer club based in Pachuca, Hidalgo, who the Crew defeated in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Final.

Atlas FC

A Mexican professional soccer club based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, who have won 5 Liga MX titles.

Pumas UNAM

A Mexican professional soccer club based in Mexico City, who have won 5 Liga MX titles.

Diego Rossi

A forward for the Columbus Crew who is tied for the fourth-most goals in Leagues Cup competition history.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to take on some of the top clubs in Liga MX as we look to defend our Leagues Cup title. Facing Pachuca again will be a great challenge, and Atlas and Pumas will also provide tough competition.”

— Caleb Porter, Head Coach, Columbus Crew (massive-report.com)

What’s next

The full match schedule and kickoff times for the 2026 Leagues Cup will be announced at a later date.

The takeaway

The Columbus Crew's participation in the 2026 Leagues Cup, as the defending champions, will be a key storyline to follow as MLS and Liga MX clubs continue to showcase their growing rivalry on the field.