Get ready, Austin FC fans—the Verde and Black are back in the Leagues Cup, and they'll be bringing the action straight to Q2 Stadium for at least three home matches this August.
After securing their spot by making the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, Austin FC is set to face a trio of Liga MX heavyweights in the tournament's first phase: Tijuana, Puebla, and Club América. That's right—three consecutive home games to kick off their campaign, giving the home crowd plenty of chances to rally behind the team.
The Leagues Cup brings together 18 clubs from MLS and Liga MX, with the top four teams from each league advancing to the knockout quarterfinals. Points are awarded based on match results—three for a win, two for a penalty shootout win, and one for a penalty shootout loss. And here's the kicker: there are no ties. Every match goes to penalties if the score is level after 90 minutes, so expect plenty of drama.
The tournament format ensures cross-league matchups all the way through the quarterfinals. The semifinal losers battle for third place, while the winners compete for the title. The top three finishers earn spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the champion advancing directly to the Round of 16.
Austin FC missed out on last year's Leagues Cup, but they made a strong run in 2024, winning their group before falling 2-0 to LAFC in the Round of 32. With home-field advantage and a hungry squad, they'll be looking to go even deeper this time around.
Mark your calendars—August is shaping up to be a thrilling month for Austin soccer. Whether you're cheering from the stands or repping the Verde and Black at home, this is a tournament you won't want to miss.
