The 2026 Leagues Cup was settled in Houston on Sunday, as Toluca continued to boast they are Mexico’s best team, 2-0 winners over Monterrey Rayados. We also have news and notes from across North and South America including Cavan Sullivan’s run of form in MLS and Flamengo claiming leadership of Brazil’s table.
Toluca Adds Another Trophy with Leagues Cup Triumph
Favored despite a pro Rayados crowd at the stadium in Houston, Toluca showed confidence, poise and chemistry in a 2-0 win over Monterrey. While Rayados were able to show flashes of competitiveness at times, it was their poor defence that allowed Toluca to capitalize, Alexis Vega scoring on a rebound in just the 4th minute, and then Helinho breaking through for the second goal in the 70th minute. Monterrey actually outshot Toluca 15-8, but in terms of chance quality and counterattacking, it was the red devils of Toluca who shined.
The reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners only saw their star Paulinho come on late in the second half, but they frankly didn’t need him as players like Vega, Helinho, Uruguayan international Federico Vinas and goalkeeper Hugo Gonzalez were all excellent. Toluca showed it could absorb Rayados attacking pressure, and then take advantage of a slow and disorganized Rayados backline.
While Antonio “Turco” Mohamed continues to build a dynasty at Toluca, Monterrey’s project under Matias Almeyda remains hindered by their defensive liabilities. Though they didn’t get on the scoreboard, players like Diego Rossi and Hugo Cuypers can hardly be blamed for the result. Rayados are capable of getting on the scoreboard but week after week, they get exposed as soon as traffic is coming at them.
If this core of Toluca can remain healthy and in the starting XI, especially with the addition of Vinas, they are the favorites to win Liga MX this season, with teams like America, Chivas, and Cruz Azul chasing. Toluca have won six different trophies in just 16 months. In December, Toluca will play in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Monterrey doesn’t have any time to lick their wounds, this Saturday night they will host the Clasico Regio against a struggling Tigres UANL side.
Leon Secures CONCACAF Champions Cup Berth
The third-place match of the 2026 Leagues Cup had weight, Club Leon’s 1-0 win over Club America, with a late goal from Diber Cambindo, secured their place in the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup. While America played for their own pride, Leon needed a victory or the final Champions Cup place would have been awarded to Tijuana Xolos. It was a relatively evenly matched contest, and a result Leon can be proud of as they continue to show improvements this season.
Club America looks ahead to a big clash against Cruz Azul on Saturday night as they look to continue their leadership of the Liga MX table.
Newell’s Old Boys and the Liga Argentina Honor Lionel Messi
Argentine football paused in the 10th minute this weekend to recognize the international retirement of Lionel Messi. For Newell’s Old Boys, the moment had extra weight. Messi’s childhood club wore a “Gracias Leo” patch on their kits and settled for a draw against rival Rosario Central on matchday 8. Rosario Central supporters also offered their own round of applause for former Argentine international Angel Di Maria.
River Plate marked the recognition by saying “Gracias Leo, the Monumental is your Home” as the country certainly looks forward to Argentine’s next international match on home soil, to give Messi a triumphant send off.
Copa do Brasil Semifinals are Defined, Flamengo Leads the Brasileiro
The semifinals of the Copa do Brasil, played in October, will feature Vasco da Gama against Palmeiras, and Gremio against Atletico Mineiro. On the weekend, Palmeiras relinquished their leader’s position on the league table, Flamengo now leads the Brasileiro with a 16-6-4 record, ahead of Palmeiras at 15-8-3. Palmeiras were held to a scoreless draw by Botafogo, while Flamengo slipped past Remo 1-0 thanks to a Samuel Lino goal. Flamengo recently added two strikers, Anthony Valencia from Antwerp, and Joaquin Freitas from River Plate to their squad, while Ecuadorian international Gonzalo Plata saw his proposed transfer to Russia collapse.
While Valencia, also an Ecuadorian, was set to replace Plata, his return makes Flamengo’s squad situation a bit more complicated.
Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana Quarterfinals Set to Begin
The first legs of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals will be played this week. In the Libertadores Palmeiras host LDU Quito from Ecuador, Fluminense host Platense from Argentina. Independiente Del Valle will host Flamengo on Thursday in Quito while Estudiantes will host Corinthians.
The first legs of the Copa Sudamericana are Boca Juniors hosting Sao Paulo at La Bombonera, Santa Fe from Colombia hosting Vasco da Gama, Santos will host Atletico Mineiro, but without Neymar who is injured for two months, and Cienciano from Peru hosts Torque from Uruguay.
The big question in both these competitions continues to be how many Brazilian teams will advance to the last four.
Cavan Sullivan, MLS Wonderkid
Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union will soon join Manchester City, but in the meantime the 16-year-old continues to make MLS history. Sullivan, 16, broke Freddy Adu’s MLS record by scoring in a third consecutive game, as a teenager, Sullivan has moved himself to the top of the MLS Leaderboards and has 7 goals and 11 assists in 27 club appearances this month. He’s one of the best young players MLS has ever had on a first-team roster.
Sullivan’s critical contributions come at a time Philadelphia is fighting for their place in the MLS Playoffs at 9th in the Eastern Conference table. Sullivan is also in the discussion for a call up to the US Men’s National Team in an upcoming friendly.
Marcelo Gallardo to lead Ecuador until 2030
After two rounds managing River Plate, and a brief stint at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Marcelo Gallardo, 50, will take control of a national team for the first time. Ecuador has appointed the Argentine Gallardo to a contract lasting until 2030. Ecuador is an international managerial job with a lot of potential. After a strong qualifying campaign in South America, where they conceded almost nothing, they limped to a round of 32 knockout stage exit at the 2026 World Cup losing to Mexico.
A hole at the striker position is a problem that Gallardo must solve, but there’s a lot of young talent on La Tri to call upon. Willian Pacho and Moises Caicedo are just 24, Plata is 25, and forward Nilson Angulo is just 23. Ecuador had one of the youngest rosters at the World Cup, and will continue to blood and develop talent ahead of Copa America 2028.
Main Photo Credit: Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
