Monterrey Eliminates América on Penalties, Reaches Leagues Cup 2026 Final
Monterrey advanced to the Leagues Cup 2026 final after eliminating América 5-4 on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in regulation at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on Wednesday. Rayados will face Toluca, who beat León 2-0 earlier in the day to become the tournament’s first finalist, in Sunday’s championship match.
The first half ended scoreless, with América seeing more of the ball but unable to convert their chances. Monterrey broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half when Diego Rossi curled a shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota, his second goal of the tournament.
América responded in the 57th minute, when Ramón Juárez controlled a free kick service inside the box and finished left-footed near the post to level the score. América then took the lead in the 63rd minute through a fast break: Monterrey lost possession, the ball was worked to Rodrigo Veiga, who laid it off for Alan Cervantes to strike from outside the box into the corner, making it 2-1.
Monterrey were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute after Orbelín Pineda went down in the box, a decision América’s players and fans disputed. The call was upheld on video review two minutes later, and Lucas Ocampos converted from the spot in the 68th minute to make it 2-2, the final score of regulation.
With the score level after 90 minutes, the tie went straight to a penalty shootout. Monterrey held their nerve to win 5-4, with Wout Weghorst substitute Julián Cuypers scoring the decisive spot kick to send Rayados through to the final.
Monterrey returns to the Leagues Cup semifinals for the first time since 2023, and now advances to face Toluca in Sunday, September 6’s final. It marks a milestone edition of the tournament: all four semifinalists this year — América, Monterrey, Toluca and León — came from Liga MX, guaranteeing a Mexican champion and eliminating every MLS side before the final four for the first time in the competition’s history.
América, meanwhile, exits the tournament despite entering the match unbeaten and atop the Liga MX Apertura 2026 standings. The team had reached the semifinal by beating Columbus Crew 2-0 in the quarterfinals, while Monterrey advanced past Chicago Fire 2-1.
FAQs
What was the final score of América vs. Monterrey?
The match finished 2-2 after regulation. Monterrey won 5-4 on penalties to advance.
Who scored for América and Monterrey?
Diego Rossi and Lucas Ocampos scored for Monterrey; Ramón Juárez and Alan Cervantes scored for América.
Who scored the winning penalty?
Julián Cuypers converted the decisive penalty in the shootout for Monterrey.
Who does Monterrey play in the Leagues Cup final?
Monterrey faces Toluca, who beat León 2-0 to become the tournament’s first finalist. The final is scheduled for Sunday, September 6.
Were all four Leagues Cup 2026 semifinalists from Liga MX?
Yes. América, Monterrey, Toluca and León were the four semifinalists this year, the first time in the tournament’s history that no MLS team reached the semifinal stage.