Image Source: Austin FC
Leagues Cup action reaches a decisive stage Thursday night, when Austin FC hosts Mexican powerhouse Club América at Q2 Stadium in the final Phase One match for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT, with the Verde & Black aiming to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
The matchup brings together two clubs that have opened the 2026 tournament with perfect records. Austin FC enters after a commanding 3-0 victory over Club Puebla, while Club América has defeated San Diego FC and the Portland Timbers. With only four knockout-round spots available to teams from each league, every moment in Austin could carry major consequences.
Leagues Cup Preview: Austin FC Rides Historic Momentum
Austin FC’s latest performance was one of the most memorable nights in club history. Myrto Uzuni scored three times in the first half against Puebla, becoming only the second player in Austin FC history to record a hat trick.
Uzuni’s fast start was particularly impressive. Two of his goals arrived before the eighth minute, giving Austin complete control before halftime. His outburst also moved him into second place on the club’s all-time goalscoring list, adding another milestone to an already historic campaign.
The 3-0 result improved Austin’s record to 2-0-0 in Leagues Cup play and lifted the club to the top of the MLS standings in the competition. Austin is one of six MLS teams with a perfect record, although the precise qualification scenarios will also depend on results elsewhere.
Powerful Defensive Test Awaits at Q2 Stadium
While Uzuni has attracted the headlines, Austin’s defensive work has been equally important. Goalkeeper Brad Stuver will try to record his third consecutive shutout victory in the tournament. Austin has not conceded a goal in its first two matches, creating a difficult challenge for América’s attack.
Maintaining that defensive discipline will be critical against a club with considerable experience and attacking quality. Austin’s midfield will need to limit América’s space, while its back line must remain organized during transitions. A strong opening period could help the home side build on the confidence created by the Puebla win.
Club América Brings Unbeaten Leagues Cup Form
Club América has also collected a perfect tournament record ahead of the meeting in Texas. The Mexican club opened with a win over San Diego FC before defeating Portland 3-1 on Sunday.
Against the Timbers, Isaías Violante broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, and Óscar Perea added a late insurance goal. The result placed América at the top of the Liga MX Leagues Cup standings with six points, alongside three other clubs that also have perfect records.
América’s strong start extends beyond the tournament. Under head coach Guillermo Almada, the club has posted a 2-1-0 record in Liga MX play in 2026 and is tied with Tijuana for first place on seven points.
The early league campaign has featured a balanced attack. Each of América’s five goals across its three Liga MX matches has been scored by a different player, suggesting Austin will need to account for threats throughout the lineup rather than focus on one leading scorer.
High-Stakes Qualification Battle
A win at Q2 Stadium would guarantee Club América a place in the knockout stages for the first time since 2024. Austin FC is also targeting a victory to seal its own quarterfinal berth, though the club’s exact path will be influenced by results from other Phase One matches.
That pressure should create an intense atmosphere in Austin. The Verde & Black will have home-field support, a confident attack and a defense that has yet to surrender a tournament goal. América, meanwhile, arrives with momentum, tournament experience and the incentive to make an early statement against an MLS opponent.
For Austin, the game is an opportunity to turn a brilliant start into a meaningful tournament run. Uzuni’s finishing, Stuver’s goalkeeping and the team’s ability to withstand América’s pressure could determine whether the club advances or sees its Leagues Cup campaign end in Phase One.
How to Watch Austin FC vs. Club América
- Kickoff: Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. CT
- Venue: Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas
- Streaming: The match will be available through Apple TV and compatible Apple TV app devices.
- English radio: iHeart Radio’s Alt 97.5
- Spanish radio: Univision’s TUDN Radio Austin on 104.3-HD2 and KLQB-FM
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Austin FC playing Club América?
Austin FC will host Club América on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The match begins at 7:30 p.m. CT at Q2 Stadium.
Why is this Leagues Cup match important?
Both Austin FC and Club América have perfect records in the tournament. A victory would guarantee América’s advancement, while Austin is also seeking a win to secure its place in the quarterfinals.
Who scored Austin FC’s hat trick against Puebla?
Myrto Uzuni scored all three goals in the first half of Austin FC’s 3-0 win over Club Puebla. He became the second player in club history to score a hat trick.
Has Austin FC conceded a goal in the tournament?
No. Austin FC has recorded two shutout victories in its first two Leagues Cup matches, and Brad Stuver is pursuing a third consecutive clean sheet.
Where can fans listen to the match?
The match will be broadcast locally in English on Alt 97.5 and in Spanish on TUDN Radio Austin.
