The Seattle Sounders are hosting Liga MX’s Querétaro FC in their second Phase One match of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Sunday. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m. PT at Lumen Field. (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be available to watch on Apple TV.
WHERE TO LISTEN: The match will air in Spanish on El Rey 1360AM.
LEAGUES CUP FORMAT: The 2026 Leagues Cup features all 18 Liga MX teams and the top 18 qualifying clubs from MLS. Teams were divided into Eastern and Western regions and grouped into tiers based on 2025 league performance. Each club will play three Phase One matches against teams from the opposing league with no draws allowed. Matches that end with the score level will go straight to penalty shootouts with both teams receiving a point and the winner of the shootout receiving an additional point. The top four clubs from each league advance to the Knockout Rounds where it will be a single-elimination sprint to the Leagues Cup Final on Sept. 6. This also marks the first tournament where select Mexican clubs will host matches after previously only MLS teams had home-field advantage.
Hello Kitty® Ticket Bundle (8.9)
The Hello Kitty® Ticket Bundle has arrived. Grab your ticket to see the Leagues Cup match vs. Querétaro on August 9 and you’ll also take home an exclusive Hello Kitty® Plushie Bag Charm—made for matchdays, backpacks, and everything in between. This plushie is only available through this offer and buyers should plan to pick up their plushie at the match on August 9 at 12:30 PM.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: In addition to continental bragging rights, the top three finishers from Leagues Cup will secure automatic bids to the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The champion will receive a direct spot in the CCC Round of 16.
CURRENT DOMESTIC STANDINGS (W-L-T): Sounders: 7-7-3 (24 points, 9th West, MLS), Querétaro: 2-1-0 (6 points, 7th Liga MX Apertura)
FORM GUIDE (all competitions, most recent first): Seattle: LLLLL, Querétaro: LWWLW
LEAGUES CUP MATCHDAY 1 RESULT: Sounders: Lost 3-0 at Toluca FC, Querétaro: Lost 2-0 at FC Dallas
LEAGUES CUP STANDINGS (W-L-PKW-PKL): Sounders: 0-1-0-0 (0 points, 18th MLS), Querétaro: 0-1-0-0 (0 points, 14th Liga MX)
UP NEXT: The Sounders will finish Phase One with a home match against Chivas on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. PT; Apple TV | TICKETS), while Querétaro will visit LAFC.
FIRST MEETING: Like their match against Toluca, this will be the Sounders’ first-ever meeting with Querétaro.
VINTAGE FREI: Legendary Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei made 15 saves against Toluca, including some jaw-dropping efforts. He was one off the all-time Leagues Cup saves record set by Dayne St. Clair in 2024.
VAMOS SOUNDERS CLUB: Swing by North Plaza to visit the Vamos Sounders space; it’s your home base for an exclusive Leagues Cup member experience! Snap a photo with the 2025 Leagues Cup trophy, select from exclusive member merchandise, and enter for a chance to win autographed gear, matchday hospitality upgrades, and other one-of-a-kind experiences.
ABOUT QUERÉTARO: Founded in 1950, Querétaro has never won a Mexican First Division title, with their closest finish coming as runners-up in the 2015 Clausura. Los Gallos Blancos have featured some global household names through the years including Ronaldinho (2014-15) and Antonio Valencia (2020-21).
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
- Ali Ávila, F: Ávila burst onto the Liga MX scene last year with 11 goals in 24 matches for Querétaro. The 22-year-old Mexican youth international has picked up where he left off, scoring three times in as many matches to open the Liga MX Apertura.
- Santiago Homenchenko, M: Like Ávila, Homenchenko had a breakout year last year for Querétaro. The 22-year-old Uruguayan youth international already has a goal and an assist early in the Liga MX Apertura campaign.
- Diego Reyes, D: A veteran presence on the back line, Reyes is in his second season with Querétaro. The 33-year-old former Mexican international has plied his trade abroad with notable clubs FC Porto, Real Sociedad and Fenerbahçe, as well as at home in Mexico with Liga MX giants Club América and Tigres.
