CF Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati: How to watch, stream Leagues Cup Phase One match | OneFootball

By MLSsoccer staff

Leagues Cup 2025 contenders clash Thursday evening at TQL Stadium when FC Cincinnati host CF Monterrey for a Phase One match.

How to watch & stream

When

Where

During Phase One, MLS and LIGA MX teams will look to earn points in a league-specific table against clubs from their own league. Adding to the rivalry showdowns, matches go straight to a penalty shootout if they end in a tie.

The top four teams from each Leagues Cup league-specific table advance to the quarterfinals, meaning only eight of the 36 entrants (18 from MLS, 18 from LIGA MX) reach the knockout phase.

The Leagues Cup final is set for Aug. 31, while the top three finishers qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Leagues Cup Guide: Everything to know

FC Cincinnati

With Evander leading the way, Cincy are seeking their second trophy of the Pat Noonan era.

The Brazilian No. 10, who recently captained the MLS All-Stars, has been fantastic since joining via a wintertime trade from the Portland Timbers. He has 15g/8a in 23 regular-season matches to enter the Landon Donovan MLS MVP discussion.

However, Cincy's attack took a hit when Kévin Denkey recently suffered a leg injury. The club-record signing and Togo international has 14 goals (all competitions) since arriving ahead of the 2025 campaign.

That leaves Evander driving the Orange & Blue, who also lean on USMNT center back Miles Robinson and midfield work-horse Pavel Bucha.

Evander: Was Inter Miami domination his best performance yet?

CF Monterrey

It's been a busy summer for Monterrey, who made the Round of 16 at the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup. The five-time Concacaf Champions Cup winners are also off to a strong start in the LIGA MX Apertura, winning back-to-back matches after losing to Pachuca on Matchday 1.

To keep building momentum, Rayados will lean on their Spanish stars. That includes former Real Madrid center back and 2010 FIFA World Cup champion Sergio Ramos, as well as midfielders Sergio Canales and Óliver Torres.

Monterrey, who are coached by former New York City FC manager Domènec Torrent, also boast veterans Germán Berterame, Tecatito Corona, and Lucas Ocampos as threats in the final third.

This is Leagues Cup: MLS vs. LIGA MX rivalries return