The 2026 Leagues Cup tournament begins with a heavyweight clash between former MLS Cup winners Los Angeles FC face Mexican side Guadalajara at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides more insight into the August 6 encounter.
LAFC vs Guadalajara match preview
LAFC enter this clash hoping to seal a first championship title in the competition. The Black and Gold’s best ever finish was a second placed finish in the 2024 edition, when they lost 3-1 to fellow MLS side Columbus Crew in the final. In the Major League Soccer this season, they have overcome a slow start to sit joint top in the Western Conference standings and in pole position to qualify for a place in the playoffs.
Guadalajara, meanwhile, also enter the tournament as they seek a first ever triumph as well. The Mexican club are yet to reach the final of the competition and will be looking to win a medal in the tournament for the first time ever. The Red and White have endured an inconsistent start to the Mexican league season, winning just one of their three games so far, which has left them in 12th position on the standings.
Día de partido: #LAFCvGDL
⏰ 7:30 PM PST
🖥️ @AppleTV pic.twitter.com/Tkg4LiWmvW— LAFC (@LAFC) August 5, 2026
LAFC vs Guadalajara Head-to-Head
This will mark a first ever competitive meeting between these two sides.
Best betting odds
Home (LAFC) to Win – 2.57 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
LAFC have the benefit of playing at their home stadium and are also in better form at the moment, which should give them an edge to secure a favourable result from this encounter.
Leagues Cup returns to @BMOStadium 🏆 pic.twitter.com/cJCWFOmT6u
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 5, 2026
Recent form: LAFC
Los Angeles FC have improved in recent matches and are currently on a five-game unbeaten run, winning four and recording one draw in these matches.
The Black and Gold have also managed three clean sheets during this run and they have found the back of the net in every of their last seven games across all competitions.
Recent form: Guadalajara
The Mexican side have shown signs of inconsistency in recent outings, winning only one of their last three matches so far – defeating Juarez 1-0 in July.
The Red and White have kept two clean sheets in their last four games across all competitions, although they have equally failed to score in two of those matches as well.
Player to watch
Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
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Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga is the Leagues Cup all-time topscorer with 13 goals and will be looking to add to that tally for LAFC when they take on Guadalajara.
His pace and shooting ability would cause the Mexican side problems in the clash and could be the factor that helps his side seal a crucial win.
