The MLS thought it could take over after the World Cup, but the reality check against Liga MX felt like a cold shower. The Leagues Cup quarterfinals delivered an unmistakable display of strength: all four Mexican teams eliminated their U.S. opponents, as if to remind MLS: "No, it's our turn to lead."

A crushing setback for MLS

This defeat is all the more bitter because the competition was meant to embody the sporting rivalry between the United States and Mexico. Yet the results reveal a persistent competitive gap. Since 2005, Liga MX clubs have dominated 20 of the last 21 CONCACAF Champions League editions, with only the Seattle Sounders breaking this streak in 2022. The argument that MLS was disadvantaged by its schedule—starting its season late—collapses in the face of the numbers. Admittedly, MLS can point to a trend reversal in 2025, but match analysis reveals exceptional circumstances. All four quarterfinals were played on U.S. soil, giving the home teams a decisive edge. Two were only won on penalties. Without this stroke of luck, the outcome could have been different. In 2026, the group stage had favored MLS (28 wins, 19 losses, 7 draws), but the advantage vanished in the quarterfinals, where three of the four matches were played on neutral ground.

Empty stadiums and a flawed concept

The on-field performance isn’t the only concern. Attendance was dismal: Toluca vs. Austin FC in Harrison (New Jersey) and Real Salt Lake vs. León in Commerce City (Colorado) drew fewer than 10,000 spectators each. Only the América vs. Columbus Crew clash in Carson (California) surpassed 20,000, yet the upper tiers were glaringly empty. Even with América as the marquee draw, enthusiasm fell short of expectations. The competition’s format itself raises questions. MLS and Liga MX teams are split into separate groups, never facing each other. The group stage’s purpose—direct confrontations—is rendered meaningless. As a result, among the four MLS qualifiers, only the Chicago Fire sits atop its conference. Austin FC languishes at the bottom of the West, while Columbus Crew sits second-to-last in the East. Their elimination by Mexican clubs comes as no surprise, especially since most had to play away from home. The Leagues Cup, launched in 2024 amid hype surrounding Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami, appears to be losing its luster. Without the Argentine star, the excitement has waned, reducing the competition to little more than a training tournament—far from the prestige of the century-old U.S. Open Cup. The lack of organic passion between the two nations is evident in the nearly empty stands at some matches. Can the Leagues Cup be saved? A format change and more attractive venues could help. But the real question is whether the desire is still there. The calendar is overcrowded, and some clubs prioritize MLS over this competition. Switching to a summer-to-spring format could reverse the trend, provided the Leagues Cup is scheduled early in the season to encourage team investment. Without that, the risk is high that the competition will fade into obscurity. One thing is certain: after this setback against Liga MX, MLS has its work cut out to prove its project is viable.