5 Liga MX favorites to win Leagues Cup 2024 | OneFootball

Five Liga MX clubs have what it takes to win Leagues Cup 2024 if they can beat out a few MLS giants.

Leagues Cup 2024 is less than a week away, and all 47 participating clubs from the MLS and Liga MX are hoping to make a deep run in the month-long tournament. Only a handful of teams, though, have the talent, structure, and composure to survive and progress in the knockout rounds. As LAFC and Columbus Crew steal the headlines for Major League Soccer, Liga MX's Cruz Azul and Club America cannot be overlooked. In fact, the Mexican clubs could become the first Liga MX sides to win the Leagues Cup.

Here's a breakdown of the five Liga MX favorites to win Leagues Cup 2024.

5 Liga MX favorites to win Leagues Cup 2024

5. Pumas UNAM

Pumas UNAM are primed to put in a better performance at Leagues Cup 2024 than last year. / Jam Media/GettyImages

Pumas might have topped their group at least year's Leagues Cup, but the club did not put forth too many impressive performances. In fact, they won just one match, and then were eliminated in the Round of 32. Fortunately, they are in much better shape to challenge some of the best MLS and Liga MX teams this summer.

Gustavo Lema's men have already scored nine goals in their first four Liga MX Apertura matches, including three from set pieces. Compared to the four other sides in our rankings, though, they have a tendency to miss big chances that could be their downfall come the knockout stage.

4. Monterrey

German Berterame scored five goals at Leagues Cup 2023. / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Monterrey put in the best performance of any Liga MX side at Leagues Cup 2023, making it all the way to the semi-finals before falling to Nashville SC. The Rayados have proven they can stand tall in the World Cup-style tournament, especially if German Berterame bags five goals again this summer.

Less than two weeks ago, though, Monterrey suffered an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Cruz Azul. If that performance was any indication of what is coming from Fernando Ortiz's men at Leagues Cup 2024, then they will not best their 2023 finish.

Andre-Pierre Gignac will lead Tigres up front. / Jam Media/GettyImages

Back in May, Tigres were one goal away from defeating Club America and winning the Super Copa MX final. In the aftermath of their second place, though, they have already kicked off their next domestic campaign in stellar fashion, going unbeaten in their first four fixtures.

Francisco Cordova's playmaking and Andre-Pierre Gignac's finishing will easily exploit the lesser MLS and Liga MX teams in Leagues Cup 2024. On paper, Tigres might not be as threatening as Club America or Cruz Azul, but they are still capable of catching fire and going on a deep run in the tournament this summer.

2. Club America

Club America are the reigning Liga MX champions. / Eyepix Group/GettyImages

Not only is Club America one of the best Liga MX sides at Leagues Cup, but they are one of the favorites of the entire tournament. As the reigning Liga MX champions, Las Aguilas earned a bye to the knockout rounds, avoiding the group stage entirely.

The club will be eager to put in a better performance this year after their Round of 16 exit in 2023. The departure of Julian Quinones, though, left a hole in Club America's attack, contributing to their underwhelming start to Liga MX Apertura over the last month and a half.

1. Cruz Azul

Cruz Azul are currently in first place of Liga MX Apertura. / Jam Media/GettyImages

Cruz Azul might have started as a dark horse coming into Leagues Cup 2024, but they have quickly rose as one of the best teams in Liga MX. Martin Anselmi's squad currently sits atop of the Liga MX Apertura standings with 10 points, and have scored nine goals in their first four matches, with Giorgos Giakoumakis leading the way up front.

Plus, they have a rock solid defense that will trouble almost any side in the upcoming competition; after all, Cruz Azul have only conceded one goal in the last month.