Mexican football hit a record low as five of its most storied clubs were dumped out of the Leagues Cup 2025 in a single group‑stage weekend. On August 6‑7, 2025, Club América, Chivas de Guadalajara, Cruz Azul, Pumas UNAM and CF Monterrey saw their hopes evaporate after heavy defeats by Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF. The shock reverberated across Mexico, prompting headlines that called it "the darkest era of Mexican football."
Background: The Leagues Cup Format and Liga MX’s Legacy
First introduced in 2019, the Leagues Cup 2025Seattle, Washington pits all 18 clubs from Mexico's top division against 18 MLS sides in a three‑match group phase. Only the top four teams from each league move on to the knockout round. Historically, Liga MX teams have dominated, but the 2025 edition flipped the script.
Historically, clubs like América and Chivas have collected more CONCACAF titles than any MLS franchise. Their combined trophy cabinet accounts for roughly 55 % of regional silverware since 2000. That pedigree made the mass elimination feel like a gut punch.
Group‑Stage Collapse: How Five Powerhouses Went Out
It all began on July 29, when Seattle Sounders FC thrashed Cruz Azul 7‑0 at Lumen Field. The Sounders' striker, Jordan Morris, netted a hat‑trick, while Cruz Azul’s defense looked like a sieve.
Two days later, Seattle added to the carnage with a 2‑1 win over Santos Laguna, securing the MLS side’s first‑place finish in the group.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami faced Pumas UNAM on August 6‑7 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Miami’s 3‑1 victory, highlighted by a late penalty from Gonzalo Higuaín, sealed Pumas' fate.
In the same matchday, Club América needed at least a draw against an already‑qualified MLS opponent, but a 2‑2 stalemate left them third on goal‑difference, eliminating them.
Chivas, who entered the final game with four points, needed a win over the New York Red Bulls. A late goal by the Red Bulls forced a 1‑1 draw, sending Chivas home.
Monterrey's hopes rested on a narrow victory over Atlanta United. A 0‑0 deadlock meant they finished with only three points, joining the other four giants in the relegated‑looking column.
The numbers are stark: 14 of 18 Liga MX clubs (78 %) failed to qualify, versus a 22 % advancement rate for their Mexican peers.
Reactions from Mexican Media and Fans
"We are witnessing the darkest era of Mexican football," wrote sports columnist Javier Hernández in an op‑ed for *Mediotiempo* on August 8. He quoted former national team coach Rafa Marquez, who said, "Our clubs have lost the competitive edge. It's a wake‑up call."
Social media erupted. Trending hashtags like #DesastreLigaMX and #LeaguesCupShock filled Twitter’s trending bar. Fans filmed themselves chanting “¡Viva México!” in stadium aisles, a mixture of pride and frustration.
MLS officials, meanwhile, celebrated the unexpected parity. Don Garber, MLS commissioner, told *ESPN* that "the tournament proved the league’s depth and growth."
Implications for CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualification
The tournament’s top three finishers earn berths in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. With Seattle, Inter Miami and the third‑place winner (Philadelphia Union) clinching those spots, no Mexican club will compete in the continent’s premier club competition for the first time since its inception in 1962.
This absence threatens Liga MX's revenue streams from broadcasting rights, which historically generate an estimated $12 million per club per season from continental play. Moreover, Mexican clubs lose vital scouting exposure that helps attract South‑American talent.
Analysts at *The Athletic* warn that the fallout could trigger a domino effect: reduced sponsorships, lower ticket sales, and a possible exodus of star players seeking higher‑profile platforms abroad.
What Lies Ahead for Liga MX and MLS
Liga MX officials have promised a comprehensive review. FMF President Luis Lopez announced a task force on August 22 to study "competition format, scheduling, and club preparedness."
MLS, on the other hand, is already planning the next edition. A press release from MLSsoccer.com hinted at a possible expansion to 40 clubs, with a revamped group‑stage model that could further level the playing field.
Fans, players, and pundits will be watching closely. The upcoming 2025‑26 Liga MX season starts on July 2, and early results could either confirm the “dark era” narrative or signal a swift rebound.
Key Takeaways
- Five historic Mexican clubs eliminated in group stage.
- Only four Liga MX teams advanced: Pachuca, Puebla, Tigres UANL, Toluca.
- MLS clubs claim all three CONCACAF Champions Cup berths.
- Media in Mexico label the outcome a "dark era" for the sport.
- FMF vows structural review; MLS eyes format tweaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did so many Liga MX giants fail in the group stage?
A combination of tough MLS opposition, an unforgiving three‑match format and poor goal‑difference margins doomed clubs like América and Chivas. Several matches were decided by single‑goal margins, leaving little room for error.
Which clubs actually advanced from Liga MX?
CF Pachuca topped the group with six points, Club Puebla earned a spot on goal‑difference, Tigres UANL qualified despite a narrow loss, and Toluca secured the fourth slot after a 2‑1 win over Querétaro.
How does this affect CONCACAF Champions Cup qualification?
Since the top three finishers in the Leagues Cup earn Champions Cup berths, and all three were MLS clubs, no Mexican team will participate in the 2026 edition—a first in the tournament’s 64‑year history.
What changes is the FMF considering?
President Luis Lopez announced a task force to examine the tournament’s schedule, squad depth policies, and youth development pipelines, aiming to prevent a repeat of this performance.
Will MLS adjust the tournament format?
MLSsoccer.com hinted at expanding the field to 40 clubs and tweaking the group‑stage points system, hoping to keep the competition balanced and maintain the excitement that drew a record 69,314 fans for the final.