Meet the Opponent: LAFC, Chivas’ First Challenge in the 2026 Leagues Cup

In partnership with

Club Deportivo Guadalajara

·3. August 2026

Meet the Opponent: LAFC, Chivas’ First Challenge in the 2026 Leagues Cup

Chivas’ 2026 Leagues Cup debut is just around the corner, and the Rebaño will be aiming to get off to a winning start when it takes on Los Angeles FC on August 5 at BMO Stadium in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

Although LAFC is one of the youngest teams in Major League Soccer, it has quickly established itself as one of the league’s top contenders, making it a demanding first test for the Rebaño Sagrado in this year’s international competition.

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A Young Club That Quickly Became a Contender

Los Angeles Football Club joined Major League Soccer in 2018 and has since developed into one of the league’s most competitive franchises. The club plays its home matches at BMO Stadium, located in the heart of Los Angeles, which will host Chivas’ Leagues Cup opener.

One connection between the two clubs is Carlos Vela, one of LAFC’s greatest icons and now one of the club’s owners, who came through Chivas’ youth academy before enjoying a successful international career.

A Club With an Impressive Trophy Collection

Despite its short history, the Los Angeles club has already built an impressive résumé:

1 MLS Cup title.
2 Supporters’ Shield titles.
1 U.S. Open Cup title.

Key Players

Head coach Marc Dos Santos has assembled a squad that blends international experience with top-level attacking talent. Among LAFC’s standout players are:

Hugo Lloris, FIFA World Cup champion with France in 2018 and one of the most experienced and accomplished goalkeepers in world football.
Heung-Min Son, a legendary figure for the South Korea National Team and the Premier League, who leads the American side’s attack and is one of its biggest offensive threats.
Denis Bouanga, a pacey forward with a proven eye for goal and a key piece of LAFC’s attack.

A Tough Test for the Rebaño

LAFC enters the Leagues Cup as one of the MLS teams with the strongest performances in recent seasons, meaning Chivas will face a high-level opponent in its first international match of the semester.

Eager to open the tournament with a victory, the Rebaño will look to impose its style of play, continue the progress shown under Gabriel Milito, and write the opening chapter of a brand-new rivalry against the Los Angeles club.