The Florida team needs a combination of results to stay alive in the tournament featuring Liga MX and MLS clubs. A specific sequence of outcomes could eliminate Inter Miami from the Leagues Cup on Tuesday, a day before their game against Leon.

Jose Armando Rodriguez, who covers the team for Deporte Total, notes that if Charlotte, Cincinnati, and Columbus tie—even if they lose on penalties—and Real Salt Lake defeat Juarez, Messi’s team will be unable to secure a top-four finish in Group B, which is necessary to make the knockout phase.

How Inter Miami started in the Leagues Cup

The Florida club began its participation with a convincing 4-2 victory over Atletico de San Luis, but fell 1-2 to Monterrey on the second matchday. That defeat severely complicated its aspirations, as qualification no longer depends solely on what Guillermo Hoyos’ team does.

The 2026 Leagues Cup competition system establishes that the 18 Liga MX clubs compete in Group A, while the 18 MLS teams compete in Group B. Each side plays three matches against opponents from the opposing league.

A victory awards three points, while a draw gives one point to each team and an additional point to the penalty shootout winner. At the end of this phase, the top four teams from each league advance to the quarterfinals.

That is where the problem lies for Inter Miami. After two matchdays, the Herons have three points and need to win their final match to reach six. But even with a victory against Leon, Leo Messi’s team depend on favorable results in other matches to claim one of the four available spots for MLS clubs.

What is complicating Inter Miami’s path

The Group B landscape highlights the difficulty. Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and FC Dallas have six points, meaning Inter Miami need these teams to drop points on the final matchday.

Additionally, LAFC has five points, and Real Salt Lake has four, while Nashville SC, Portland Timbers, NYCFC, Philadelphia Union, Orlando City, Seattle Sounders, and San Diego FC also have three points.

[Watch Club America vs Club Leon online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The Liga MX regular season is heading toward a dramatic finish as teams battle for quarterfinal and play-in spots, and Club America remains firmly in the mix. Sitting fourth with 31 points, Las Aguilas are targeting back-to-back wins to climb into first place and finish the campaign strong.

Their next challenge comes against Club Leon, a side still clinging to postseason hopes but in desperate need of points. Leon will be eager to make a statement against one of Mexico’s powerhouses, adding even more intensity to an already high-stakes matchup.

When will the Club America vs Club Leon match be played?

Club America play against Club Leon in the Matchday 16 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Saturday, November 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:10 PM (ET).

Club America vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:10 PM
CT: 10:10 PM
MT: 9:10 PM
PT: 8:10 PM

How to watch Club America vs Club Leon in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club America and Club Leon will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, TUDN, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video and ViX.

[Watch Club Leon vs Monterrey online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

Club Leon will look to spark a turnaround when they host Monterrey in a Liga MX clash loaded with urgency. After a disappointing Leagues Cup campaign that yielded just one point from three matches, Leon’s struggles have carried into league play with only three points from their first three games.

James Rodriguez and his teammates are eyeing a much-needed victory to shift momentum, but Monterrey, who also stumbled in the Leagues Cup, enter with six points in Liga MX and the chance to strengthen their position near the top of the table.

When will the Club Leon vs Monterrey match be played?

Club Leon play against Monterrey in the Matchday 4 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Monday, August 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Club Leon vs Monterrey: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Club Leon vs Monterrey in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club Leon and Monterrey will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: TUDN.

[Watch Columbus Crew vs Club Leon live in the USA on Fubo]

After a shaky start that saw them settle for a 1-1 draw with Toluca and drop the extra point in a penalty shootout, Columbus Crew responded with authority in Matchday 2, cruising to a 3-1 win over Puebla to keep their Leagues Cup hopes alive.

Now, with qualification still within reach, the Crew face Club Leon in a must-win finale. Leon have already been eliminated, and James Rodriguez’s squad will try to salvage some pride as they wrap up a disappointing tournament run.

When will the Columbus Crew vs Club Leon match be played?

Columbus Crew play against Club Leon this Tuesday, August 5, in a Matchday 3 showdown of the 2025 Leagues Cup league stage, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Columbus Crew vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Club Leon in the USA

Tune in to Fubo to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between Columbus Crew and Club Leon in the USA. Other options: FS1, UniMás, TUDN, MLS Season Pass, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue.

[Watch New York City FC vs Club Leon live in the USA on Apple TV]

Two struggling sides looking to stay alive in the Leagues Cup meet as Club Leon and New York City FC clash with elimination on the line. Leon managed just a single point after a draw against Montreal, only to fall 7-6 in a penalty shootout.

NYCFC had an even rougher start, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Puebla that puts them on the brink. With both clubs desperate for a win to avoid an early exit, this matchup has all the urgency of a knockout game.

When will the New York City FC vs Club Leon match be played?

New York City FC play against Club Leon this Friday, August 1, in a Matchday 2 showdown of the 2025 Leagues Cup league stage, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM (ET).

New York City FC vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

How to watch New York City FC vs Club Leon in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between New York City FC and Club Leon in the USA.

[Watch CF Montreal vs Club Leon live in the USA on Apple TV]

The League Cup has kicked off, bringing together top teams from CONCACAF’s premier leagues for a fiercely competitive tournament where every match counts. Each squad will play three group-stage games to prove they belong in the knockout rounds.

Club Leon enter the competition struggling near the bottom of Liga MX with just one win and two losses, while CF Montreal find itself last in the MLS Eastern Conference. Despite their league struggles, both teams will aim to make a strong push in this competition.

When will the CF Montreal vs Club Leon match be played?

CF Montreal will face Club Leon this Tuesday, July 29, in a 2025 Leagues Cup, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).

CF Montreal vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch CF Montreal vs Club Leon in the USA

Tune in to MLS League Pass on Apple TV to catch the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown between CF Montreal and Club Leon, live in the USA.

[Watch Club Leon vs Chivas online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

Chivas and Leon square off in a clash between two teams still searching for their first points of the tournament. For Chivas, this marks their season debut after sitting out Matchday 1, and they’ll aim to make a strong opening statement.

Leon, led by James Rodriguez, dropped their opener 1-0 to Atletico San Luis and now look to bounce back against a Guadalajara side eager to start their campaign with a victory.

When will the Club Leon vs Chivas match be played?

Club Leon play against Chivas in the Matchday 2 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Wednesday, July 16. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Club Leon vs Chivas: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Club Leon vs Chivas in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club Leon and Chivas will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Univision, TUDN.

[Watch Leon vs Atletico San Luis online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

Club Leon and Atletico San Luis renew their rivalry under contrasting circumstances from the Clausura 2025 season. Leon finished strong with 30 points and secured a direct spot in the quarterfinals, only to be knocked out by Cruz Azul.

With James Rodriguez leading the charge, Leon are aiming to bounce back and make a deeper run this time. Atletico San Luis, on the other hand, failed to reach the playoffs after managing just 18 points, and enters the new tournament eager to turn things around and make a statement early.

When will the Leon vs Atletico San Luis match be played?

Leon face Atletico San Luis in the Matchday 1 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 this Sunday, July 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Leon vs Atletico San Luis: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Leon vs Atletico San Luis in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Leon and Atletico San Luis will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: TUDN.

[Watch Cruz Azul vs Club Leon online for FREE in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The first leg between Leon and Cruz Azul was among the most compelling clashes of the 2025 Clausura quarterfinals, with Leon squandering their home-field edge in a 3-2 loss that now puts them in a tough spot.

James Rodriguez and his squad face a must-win scenario on the road, needing a statement performance to turn the tide, while Cruz Azul hold both the momentum and the scoreboard edge, looking to close out the tie with a disciplined showing.

When will the Cruz Azul vs Club Leon match be played?

Cruz Azul play against Club Leon in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals this Sunday, May 11. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Cruz Azul vs Club Leon: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM

CT: 8:00 PM

MT: 7:00 PM

PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Club Leon in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Cruz Azul and Club Leon will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream with a free trial available. Other options: Univision, TUDN, ViX.

[Watch Club Leon vs Cruz Azul online for FREE in the US on DirecTV Stream]

This Round of 16 clash is one of the most anticipated, with two teams once seen as semifinal contenders now battling for a single spot. Leon hold the home-field advantage, but James Rodriguez’s squad is looking to shake off an inconsistent tournament run and step up when it counts.

Cruz Azul enter the matchup riding a wave of strong form, having made a deep run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and carrying that momentum into a promising 2025 Clausura campaign.

When will the Club Leon vs Cruz Azul match be played?

Club Leon take on Cruz Azul in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals this Thursday, May 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:10 PM (ET).

Club Leon vs Cruz Azul: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:10 PM

CT: 10:10 PM

MT: 9:10 PM

PT: 8:10 PM

How to watch Club Leon vs Cruz Azul in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Club Leon and Cruz Azul will be available for viewers in the USA on DirecTV Stream with a free trial available. Other options: TUDN, ViX.

FIFA’s rules prohibit two teams owned by the same entity from competing in the tournament. Both Leon and Pachuca are under Grupo Pachuca’s ownership, forcing one of the two clubs to withdraw. Leon, which features James Rodríguez on its roster, was ultimately disqualified.

Following Leon’s appeal to CAS, the tribunal issued its ruling, confirming the club’s exclusion from the competition. In its decision, CAS delegated the responsibility to FIFA to determine León’s replacement.

Although FIFA has yet to release an official statement, a report from GIVEMESPORT suggests the leading plan involves a playoff match between Los Angeles FC (LAFC) and Club America of Mexico. LAFC lost to Leon in the Concacaf Champions League 2023 final, while Club America is currently the highest-ranked team in the Concacaf standings.

Other possibilities, such as Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, which also filed a claim with FIFA, appear unlikely but cannot be entirely ruled out, as FIFA has not made a formal announcement regarding the replacement process.

When and where will the playoff be held?

According to the report, the decisive match between LAFC and Club America to fill León’s spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is expected to take place on May 31 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

The winner of the match will join Group D alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance de Tunis. In addition to competing on the global stage, the team will secure $9.55 million for participating in the tournament, plus $2 million for each group-stage victory.