Austin FC’s back in Leagues Cup, and they’ll play at least 3 home matches

TL;DR

Austin FC is set to compete in the Leagues Cup, playing their first three matches at home in August against Tijuana, Puebla, and América. The tournament features teams from MLS and Liga MX, with the top teams advancing to knockout rounds.

Key points

Austin FC returns to Leagues Cup after missing last year
First three matches scheduled at Q2 Stadium in August
Tournament includes teams from MLS and Liga MX
Top teams advance to knockout rounds based on points
Winners earn spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup

Austin FCTijuanaPueblaAmérica

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC is back in Leagues Cup, and they’ll play their first three matches in August at home. Verde and Black qualified for this year’s showcase event by making the MLS Cup postseason in 2025. They’ll face off against Tijuana, Puebla and América in the first phase of the tournament in Austin.

Austin FC and Minnesota United played to a 2-2 draw Saturday in the Major League Soccer season opener at Q2 Stadium (KXAN photo/Phill Robb)

Austin FC’s Leagues Cup Phase 1 schedule (all at Q2 Stadium)

8 p.m., August 6 vs. Tijuana
8 p.m., August 9 vs. Puebla
7:30 p.m., August 13 vs. América The tournament features 18 teams from both MLS and Liga MX, and the top four teams from each league after Phase 1 will move on to the knockout quarterfinal round. That’s based on points from game results — three for a win, two for a penalty shootout win and one for a penalty shootout loss. There are no ties in Leagues Cup. Every match will be decided by penalty kicks if tied after 90 minutes. The tournament setup ensures that crossover matches between the leagues will happen all the way up to the quarterfinal round. The losing teams of the semifinal matches compete for third place while the winners play for the title. The top three finishing teams earn spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup tournament, with the champions placed directly in the Round of 16. Austin FC did not qualify for last year’s Leagues Cup, but won its group in 2024 before falling to LAFC 2-0 in the Round of 32. *Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.*

Q&A

What are the dates and opponents for Austin FC's Leagues Cup matches?

Austin FC will play against Tijuana on August 6, Puebla on August 9, and América on August 13.

How does the Leagues Cup tournament structure work?

The tournament features 18 teams, with the top four from MLS and Liga MX advancing to the knockout quarterfinals based on points earned from match results.

What is at stake for the top teams in the Leagues Cup?

The top three finishing teams earn spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the champions advancing directly to the Round of 16.