Gallardo, Herrera, Pec headline Champions Cup Round of 16 Best XI | OneFootball

MIAMI – The Round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup concluded with eight teams advancing to the Quarterfinals.

There were many excellent individual performances, yet these 11 players stood out the most in their respective positions. 

Goalkeeper

Brian Schwake, Nashville SC - After only having to make one save in a scoreless First Leg, the keeper stood out in the Second Leg with five to help Nashville oust Inter Miami CF.

Defenders

Jesús Gallardo, Deportivo Toluca FC - The versatile Mexican was a menace on both ends, holding it down defensively while playing a role in the attack with two goals and an assist. 

Ryan Porteous, Los Angeles FC - Porteous is the centerpiece of a solid LAFC defense that only conceded two goals in the Round of 16. He completed 167 passes and had three tackles and a pair of interceptions in 180 minutes.

Israel Reyes, Club América - The defender was vital for the Mexican side, which only conceded one goal. He racked up 160 passes and seven interceptions over the two matches.

Midfielders

Erik Lira, Cruz Azul - In a hard-fought series against CF Monterrey that Cruz Azul won 4-3 on aggregate, Lira played a big role with a goal, 95 completed passes and four interceptions.

Cristian Roldan, Seattle Sounders - The Sounders captain commanded the midfield in a dominant series for the MLS side. He finished with an assist, 107 passes and four tackles against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Jesús Angulo, Deportivo Toluca FC - Angulo contributed in a major way with two goals on three shots on target to help the Mexican side power past San Diego FC 6-3 on aggregate in a wild series.

Helinho, Deportivo Toluca FC - The Brazilian was a force for Toluca, racking up six shots on target and scoring a goal to go along with 67 passes in 114 minutes of play.

Forwards

Ozziel Herrera, Tigres UANL - After a scoreless first leg on the road for Tigres, the Mexican side powered back at home thanks to Herrera’s brace and assist to help them advance.

Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC - LAFC’s motor on offense scored a goal and completed 90 passes to help the MLS side get past LD Alajuelense. 

Gabriel Pec, LA Galaxy - The Brazilian winger was unstoppable, notching a hat trick in the First Leg and following it up with a brace in the Second Leg to take over the series with five goals.