Toluca prevails as champions; defeats Columbus

▲ Paulinho, scorer of two goals and kissing Alexis Vega's head, and Jesús Gallardo celebrate the victory. Photo @Tolucafc

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, p. a12

The Leagues Cup, created in 2019 by Liga MX and MLS, provisionally answers questions that are more relevant to the future of Mexican soccer than to the tournament itself. The most common ones relate to the growth of the United States in a sport with little tradition for its fans. Regardless of the regulatory changes and match saturation, victories by clubs like champion Toluca over the Columbus Crew, the reigning champions of the binational tournament (4-2 on penalties, 2-2 in regular time), are celebrated as further proof that there is still a very marked dividing line between the two nations.

From past World Cup eliminations to direct matches organized by CONCACAF, the rivalry that exists on both sides of the border is the same. The Diablos found their best form late on at Lower Field in Ohio, but when they did, the two-goal advantage of the home team, Columbus, crumbled. Portuguese forward Paulinho (71st and 80th) was responsible for catching up with Diego Rossi (11th, from a penalty) and Maximilian Arfsten (48th), who scored in a very favorable first half, to take the lead. In almost identical plays, the Scarlet striker finished as best he could inside the home team's penalty box.

The reaction of the Liga MX Champion of Champions dampened the momentum of the current Leagues Cup defending champion. With the score tied in the 90th minute, the regular penalty shootout ended the Mexicans' great comeback. Alexis Vega, Jesús Gallardo, Marcel Ruiz, and Helinho all converted shots from the penalty spot, while goalkeeper Luis Manuel García saved two of the Americans' shots. Rossi, who scored the first goal, ended with a pair of missed shots throughout the match, one of them in regulation time.

In Canada, León couldn't keep up the momentum against Montreal, drawing 1-1 and then losing 7-6 on penalties. Puebla, one of the lowest-scoring teams at the start of Liga MX, did so in New Jersey. La Franja upset New York City FC 3-0 with goals from Juan Manuel Fedorco (2), Emiliano Gómez (38), and Owen González (87) at the Red Bull Arena.

Pumas begins its adventure today

Before beginning his Leagues Cup adventure against Orlando City, former player and manager trained at Pumas Cantera, Efraín Juárez, made it clear that he doesn't intend to shoulder pressures that are foreign to him. "We've been at the club for months; we can't be thinking about the 14 years without a title ," he stated in a press conference via Zoom from Florida, referring to the time the university club has gone without winning a trophy in Mexican soccer (Clausura 2011, against Morelia).

We're excited about reaching the championship, but this is a rebuilding process. We're prepared for what might happen. Only four of 18 teams advance in this tournament; it's not easy. It'll help us continue to get to know each other and think about the future of Pumas, understanding the challenges we face due to the different climates and overloads. We can win a trophy in six games; let's take it step by step .

Under the revamped Leagues Cup format, each team is guaranteed three matches against opponents from the opposing league. The top eight teams—four per group—at the end of the first phase advance directly to the quarterfinals, and three of them will secure a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

In addition to the host Orlando City, UNAM will face Atlanta United on Saturday and play their third match on Wednesday against Inter Miami, led by Argentine star Lionel Messi. This first stage will take place from July 29 to August 7, with the finals continuing on the 19th of the same month.

(With information from Alberto Aceves)

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, p. a12

The city of Las Vegas, Nevada, known for its numerous casinos and large entertainment venues, is expected to host the 2026 World Cup draw on December 5, with The Sphere music and light arena the preferred venue, according to international media reports. FIFA, however, has not yet confirmed the host designation.

When the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, the ceremony also took place at the so-called Game City . TUDN reported that The Sphere, a 17,600-seat venue, is considered the preferred venue for the ceremony.

Inaugurated in 2023 by the Irish band U2, the famous state-of-the-art sphere features a 54,000-square-meter screen. If confirmed, this will be the first time a FIFA World Cup draw has been held in such a futuristic setting.

In 1994, the group and participant allocation was organized in Las Vegas, even though the city did not host any matches. This situation will also apply to next year's tournament. As this is the first tournament with 48 teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a total of 12 groups of four nations will be drawn.

For FIFA, which has sought for years to transform every stage of the World Cup into a global spectacle, the choice of venue makes strategic sense. It will host not only representatives of the 48 qualifying federations, but also media from around the world, former players, coaches, sponsors, and officials.

At the beginning of the year, the governing body of soccer notified the cities of Monterrey and Vancouver (Canada), which had submitted bids, that they had been rejected from hosting the ceremony. Since then, Las Vegas has emerged as one of the strongest options.

▲ The Brazilian women's national team advanced to the Copa América final after beating Uruguay 5-1 in a match played at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium. The goals came from the boots of Amanda Gutierrez (11 and 65), Giovana Queiroz (13) – pictured here battling for the ball with Ángela Gómez –, Marta Viera da Silva (27), and Dudinha (86). The Canarinha will compete for the crown on Saturday against Colombia. Photo: AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, p. a12