Pumas End Leagues Cup 2026 Campaign Against Columbus Crew After Early Elimination

Pumas UNAM played their third and final Phase One match of the 2026 Leagues Cup against Columbus Crew on Tuesday, August 11, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.

The Mexican club entered the fixture already eliminated from knockout contention, having lost both their opening matches without finding the net. According to TV Azteca Deportes, the side's goalless streak across the first two games underlined a difficult campaign in the United States.

Columbus Crew, by contrast, arrived with qualification still within reach after victories over Atlas and Pachuca in their earlier Phase One fixtures, including a 2-1 win over Pachuca in their second outing.

Pumas Starting XI

Coach Esteban Solari named Keylor Navas in goal. The defensive line comprised Tony Leone, Ruben Duarte, Nathan Silva and Alvaro Angulo. Rodrigo Lopez, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Victor Arteaga and Uriel Antuna formed the midfield quartet, while Juninho and Robert Morales led the attack.

The match kicked off at 5:30 PM Mexico City time and was broadcast on Apple TV.

About the Leagues Cup 2026

The Leagues Cup brings together clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX. Phase One began on August 4 and leads into knockout rounds, with the final scheduled for September 6. While Pumas looked to end their tournament on a positive note, Columbus Crew were fighting for a spot in the next stage.