FC Cincinnati are hosting Chivas Guadalajara in their final match of the 2025 Leagues Cup at home. However, the game is currently suspended due to a thunderstorm in the area of TQL Stadium and will resume once the storm passes.
Following safety protocols similar to those used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, players, coaching staff, referees, and fans were instructed to leave the stadium until conditions improved. Play was set to resume once the storm passed.
The Leagues Cup confirmed the delay on social media, posting: “Weather delay. The Leagues Cup First Round match scheduled for August 7 at 7 p.m. ET between FC Cincinnati and Chivas de Guadalajara is currently delayed due to weather,” providing a new kickoff time at 8:45 p.m. ET.
Chivas entered the match already eliminated from quarterfinal contention, while FC Cincinnati still had a mathematical chance to advance. To do so, the MLS side needed a lopsided win to surpass Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew on goal difference.
Leagues Cup unveils new format for 2025 season
Starting this season, the Leagues Cup, which features teams from MLS and Liga MX, will be split into two groups of 18 teams each. One group will consist entirely of U.S.-based MLS teams, while the other will include all the Mexican clubs.
In the group stage, each team will face three opponents from the opposite group. The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout quarterfinals, where the tournament shifts to a single-elimination format.
Notably, matches in the group stage will no longer end in draws. If teams are tied after regulation, the winner will be decided by penalty kicks. The shootout winner earns two points, while the loser still secures one point.