Chivas vs. FC Dallas: Your Complete Guide to the Leagues Cup 2026 Clash

Everything you need to know before the big game—explained simply.

What Is the Leagues Cup?

Think of the Leagues Cup like a big summer tournament where teams from Mexico (Liga MX) and the USA/Canada (MLS) play against each other. It’s a chance for bragging rights between the two leagues.

• Current Stage: Phase One (Group Stage).
• Matchday: 2 (Second game for both teams).
• Goal: Win the group to advance to the knockout rounds.

How Do the Teams Arrive?

Guadalajara (Chivas)

• Last Game: Tied 1-1 against LAFC.
• Goal Scorer: Roberto "Piojo" Alvarado.
• Penalty Shootout: LAFC won the extra penalty point (the tournament gives a bonus point for winning a shootout after a draw).
• Current Points: 1 point.

FC Dallas

• Last Game: Won 2-0 against Querétaro.
• Goal Scorers: Santiago Moreno and Joaquín Valiente.
• Current Points: 3 points (Top of the group right now).

ELI5 Note: In this tournament, a win in regulation = 3 points. A draw = 1 point each, PLUS a penalty shootout happens to decide who gets 1 extra bonus point.

Head-to-Head History

This is only the third time these two clubs have met officially:

1. SuperLiga 2007: Tied 1-1.
2. Friendly 2008: Chivas won 2-1.
3. Leagues Cup 2026 (Saturday): The rubber match!

When & Where to Watch

HOW TO WATCH LIVE: Check the official Chivas website or your local sports listings (Apple TV / MLS Season Pass) for streaming options in your region.

Coach’s Corner: Gabriel Milito Speaks

After the draw against LAFC, Chivas head coach Gabriel Milito showed total faith in his squad:

"These players represent me and I have no doubt that with them things are going to turn out very well."

He and assistant Rubén González emphasized that the team is building chemistry and the performance level is rising.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Guadalajara (Coach: Gabriel Milito)

Formation: Likely 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1

1. GK: Raúl Rangel (1)
2. DEF: Richard Ledezma (37), José Castillo (2), Daniel Aguirre (23), Luis Romo (7)
3. MID: Bryan González (5), Rubén González (28), Omar Govea (6)
4. ATT: Efraín Álvarez (10), Roberto Alvarado (25), Armando González (34)

FC Dallas (Coach: Eric Quill)

Formation: Likely 4-3-3 / 4-4-2

1. GK: Jonathan Sirois (40)
2. DEF: Nolan Norris (32), Sebastien Ibeagha (25), Osaze Urhoghide (3), Shaq Moore (18)
3. MID: Bernard Kamungo (77), Patrickson Delgado (8), Kaick (55)
4. ATT: Joaquín Valiente (21), Petar Musa (9), Ramiro (17)

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Must Win for Chivas: With only 1 point, a loss could eliminate them early. A win puts them right back in the fight.
• Dallas is Confident: They top the group with 3 points and a clean sheet (no goals conceded).
• Penalties Matter: If the game ends in a draw, stay tuned! The penalty shootout decides a crucial extra point.
• Key Battle: Watch Roberto Alvarado (Chivas) vs. Petar Musa (Dallas striker)—the match winners.

Summary

This Saturday at 7:00 PM CT, Chivas travels to PayPal Park in San Jose for a must-win game against FC Dallas. Dallas leads the group with 3 points after a solid 2-0 win; Chivas has 1 point after a gritty draw with LAFC. History is tied 1-1-1. Coach Milito trusts his young core (Alvarado, Rangel, Gonzalez). Expect high intensity, tactical chess, and potentially penalties. Don’t miss it!

FAQ

1. What happens if the game ends in a tie after 90 minutes?

There is no extra time in the Leagues Cup group stage. The game goes straight to a penalty shootout. The winner of the shootout gets 1 bonus point (total 2 points), the loser gets 1 point (for the draw).

2. Why is this game a "must-win" for Chivas?

Chivas has 1 point. Dallas has 3. Querétaro and LAFC play each other too. If Chivas loses, they stay on 1 point with only one game left, making it mathematically very difficult (or impossible) to finish top of the group and advance.

3. Who is the key player to watch for Chivas?

Roberto "Piojo" Alvarado (#25). He scored the goal vs LAFC. He is the creative spark, takes set pieces, and drives the attack.

4. Who is the danger man for FC Dallas?

Petar Musa (#9). He is their main striker (Target Man). He holds the ball up, brings others into play, and scores goals. Also watch Joaquín Valiente (#21) who scored in the opener.

5. Can I watch this for free?

Usually, Leagues Cup games are on MLS Season Pass (Apple TV). Some games may be on local TV (TUDN/Univision in Mexico/US). Check the official Chivas link in the "Where to Watch" section for the most accurate broadcast info for your country.