The Philadelphia Union will host Necaxa at Subaru Park on August 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the second round of the 2026 Leagues Cup, a match that could determine whether the Union advance from group play after a opening defeat to Cruz Azul.
Key Storylines
Coach Jim Curtin’s side entered the tournament with a press‑and‑counter identity that helped them capture the 2025 Supporter’s Shield, but a lack of a clinical finisher has left them scrambling for goals. Their recent loss exposed vulnerabilities that the Union hope to exploit against a Necaxa side that relies on width and wing‑back overloads. Julián Carranza returns to Chester, bringing a 6‑goal‑in‑9‑games record for Necaxa this season, while Indiana Vassilev is expected to anchor the press that has defined Philadelphia’s recent success.
Necaxa, under Martín Varini, have struggled in the competition, winning only two of nine Leagues Cup fixtures and exiting the 2024 edition in the round of 32. Varini’s tactical setup often shifts between a three‑man and five‑man backline, but the coach will be suspended for tonight’s game after a red card for abusive language earlier in the tournament.
Adding intrigue, actress‑turned‑investor Eva Longoria holds a 50 % stake in the club and has helped produce a docuseries that spotlights the team’s ambitions. The Union’s injury list is relatively clean, though midfielder Kevin Rosero is listed as questionable, while Necaxa must do without Varini and rely on players such as Javier Ruiz and Danny Leyva to maintain momentum.
Predictions favor the Union to rebound with a 3‑1 victory, a result that would not only restore confidence in their counter‑attacking system but also solidify their standing in the group. If the Union can convert the chances they create, the win could propel them toward the knockout stages of the tournament.