Both teams seek to solidify their standings in the tournament after contrasting opening results
Category: Sports
Chivas de Guadalajara will host FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for their second match in the 2026 Leagues Cup. The kickoff is scheduled for 9 PM ET (6 PM PT). This match is particularly important for Chivas, who are looking to recover from a disappointing opening game, where they drew 1-1 with LAFC but lost in a penalty shootout.
The Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, and this season has intensified following the recent FIFA World Cup, which saw key players from both leagues participating. Chivas currently sits eighth in the Liga MX Leagues Cup table with one point, whereas FC Dallas occupies the same position in the MLS table with three points after a solid 2-0 victory against Queretaro in their opener.
In their opening match, Chivas managed to secure a draw against LAFC, taking the lead through Roberto Alvarado before Denis Bouanga equalized for LAFC. Unfortunately for Chivas, they failed to convert their chances in the penalty shootout, losing 5-4. This result has left them under pressure to perform against FC Dallas, as they aim to secure at least two points to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
On the other hand, FC Dallas enters this match with confidence after their opening win against Queretaro. Goals from Santiago Moreno and Joaquin Valiente propelled them to victory, and they currently stand sixth in the MLS Western Conference. Petar Musa, who leads the league with thirteen goals, is expected to be a key player for Dallas as they seek to build on their strong start.
Chivas head coach Gabriel Milito expressed optimism about his team's chances, highlighting the importance of maintaining their playing style and identity. "We haven't been clinical enough to score goals, but I'm more concerned with the way we're playing. The team is maintaining its identity and playing the style we want," Milito said. The coach will have nearly his entire squad available, with only Jose Castillo ruled out for the tournament due to injury.
FC Dallas coach Eric Quill, meanwhile, is likely to rotate his squad following their opener, with players like Sam Sarver and Ramiro returning to the starting lineup. Key absentees for Dallas include Anderson Julio, who is sidelined with an injury. Quill's strategy will be to capitalize on the momentum from their first match and manage player fitness effectively during this demanding tournament.
This match marks the second all-time meeting between Chivas and FC Dallas, with their previous encounter in the 2007 SuperLiga ending in a 1-1 draw. Historically, Chivas has struggled in the Leagues Cup, with a record of 2-5, and they have never advanced past the group stage. In comparison, FC Dallas holds a 2-4 record in the tournament and advanced to the Round of 16 in 2023.
The stakes are high for both teams in this encounter, as only the top four teams from each league will advance to the quarterfinals. Chivas, in need of points, will look to leverage the support of their fans at PayPal Park, which is expected to have a strong Guadalajara presence. This home advantage could play a role in their performance, especially against a Dallas side that may be managing player fatigue due to a busy schedule.
Both clubs also feature several players who participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing additional experience and skill to the match. For Chivas, five players represented Mexico, including Alvarado, who is currently their top scorer this season. On the Dallas side, three players participated, including Musa, who has been a standout performer in the MLS.
As the match approaches, both teams understand the significance of the result. A win for Chivas would bolster their standing in the Leagues Cup and restore confidence after their earlier setback. Conversely, a victory for FC Dallas could solidify their position at the top of Group 2, potentially setting them up for a stronger run in the tournament.
Following this match, Chivas will need to regroup quickly, as they continue to navigate the challenges of the tournament format. Their next matches will be equally important in determining whether they can advance past the group stage. For FC Dallas, maintaining momentum will be key as they look to build on their successful start and aim for a deep run in the Leagues Cup.
As the teams prepare to face off, the excitement builds for the players and for the fans who eagerly await the clash between these two storied clubs. With both teams bringing their best to the pitch, this encounter will likely be a thrilling chapter in the 2026 Leagues Cup.