# 2026 Leagues Cup group stage upsets

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-leagues-cup-cruz-azulunion-clash
> Updated: 2026-08-06T22:06:00.000Z. Sources: 42. Developments: 2.

The group stage of the 2026 Leagues Cup has continued to produce surprise results. Portland Timbers’ 5‑2 opening win over Puebla and Cruz Azul’s 1‑0 victory against Philadelphia Union kept MLS clubs in the hunt, while Club América opened with a 3‑1 triumph over San Diego FC. In Jornada 2, Columbus Crew edged Pachuca 2‑1 and Charlotte FC eliminated Atlas 2‑0. Pumas UNAM were eliminated after a 2‑0 loss to Cincinnati FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps remain winless after 1‑0 defeats to Atlante and a 3‑1 loss to FC Juárez. Chivas is the sole Mexican side still alive, with coach Gabriel Milito stressing a win over FC Dallas as essential. The next round features Tigres UANL versus Minnesota United and Club América’s second meeting with San Diego FC on 6 August, keeping the race for the quarter‑finals wide open.

## Claims

- José Paradela scored the opening goal for Cruz Azul at the 3rd minute. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Cruz Azul beat Philadelphia Union 1-0 in their Leagues Cup 2026 debut. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Portland Timbers defeated Club Puebla 5-2 in the opening match of Leagues Cup 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Club América defeated San Diego FC 3-1 in their Leagues Cup 2026 debut. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cruz Azul will face New York City FC on 9 August 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Atlas lost 2-0 to Charlotte FC, resulting in elimination from the Leagues Cup 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Club América unveiled a new black away jersey for the 2026‑27 season, priced at 1,999 MXN for the fan version. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Brian Rodríguez contributed to all three goals for Club América in their 3-1 win over San Diego FC. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Leagues Cup 2026 group stage marked by upsets and eliminations across MLS and Liga MX

Leagues Cup 2026 group stage produced several upsets: Portland beat Puebla 5‑2, Cruz Azul edged Philadelphia Union 1‑0, Charlotte FC knocked out Atlas 2‑0, Columbus beat Pachuca 2‑1, Vancouver lost to Atlante (

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cruz-azul-beats-philadelphia-union-1-0-in-leagues-cup-debut

### 2026-08-04: Philadelphia Union vs Cruz Azul Leagues Cup Match Preview

Philadelphia Union host Liga MX champions Cruz Azul at Subaru Park on Aug 6 in the 2026 Leagues Cup, with Union under interim coach Ryan Richter and Cruz Azul led by Joel Huiqui.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philadelphia-union-vs-cruz-azul-leagues-cup-match-preview

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Cite as: 2026 Leagues Cup group stage upsets. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-leagues-cup-cruz-azulunion-clash