Chivas pursues its first final in the 2026 Leagues Cup
Guadalajara Chivas, guided by Gabriel Milito, returns to the Leagues Cup with a clear goal: break the first‑round barrier and reach the semifinals. The Rebaño, which has never passed the opening stage since the new format began in 2023, enters the 2026 edition with more training time and the ambition to rewrite its record.
Currently Chivas sits 11th in Liga MX with 3 points after a 1W‑0D‑1L start and a recent 1‑0 win over FC Juárez (25‑07‑2026). The squad has scored just 1 goal and conceded 2, leaving a –1 goal difference. They trail leaders Club Tijuana by 3 points, and their next match is away at Puebla (01‑08‑2026). These figures underline the urgency to improve across the board.
Why is the Leagues Cup crucial for Chivas?
The Leagues Cup acts as a benchmark for Mexican football against MLS and, for Chivas, offers a chance to prove its ability to compete internationally. In three appearances, the club has played 7 games, earning only 1 regular‑time win, 2 draws and 4 losses. The lack of progress has sparked pressure from fans and the board, who demand performances befitting the Rebaño’s legacy.
Milito, an Argentine, emphasized that the tournament fuels excitement within the squad. "Everything matters; the demand to win again is there and we are preparing for it," the coach said. His vision includes dominant, organized, attacking football, aiming to be protagonists in every match.
What changes does the new edition bring?
For the 2026 edition, Milito points out that the team enjoys more collective training time and accumulated experience. "We arrived with more joint work time and experience in all kinds of matches," he stated. This continuity aims to cement player chemistry and fine‑tune the tactical approach, reducing the mistakes that cost early exits in previous editions.
The manager also stresses the need to keep structural discipline: "Propose a dominating game, maintain order from the structure and avoid suffering situations." The idea is for the side to be brave, yet without sacrificing defensive solidity that has been a weakness in recent games.
What lies ahead for the near future?
With the upcoming away fixture at Puebla, Chivas has a chance to add three points that could lift them out of the relegation zone and bring them closer to the leaders. A strong showing in the Leagues Cup could boost confidence for Liga MX, where goal‑difference and limited offense are lingering concerns.
If the Rebaño advances beyond the opening stage, it will not only settle a historic debt but also send a clear message to MLS and its own supporters: Guadalajara Chivas is ready to compete at the highest level. The challenge is set; the question now is whether the team can turn excitement into concrete results.
