Introduction
In the world of sports, every competition has its “dark horse,” an unexpected team that manages to reach the later stages. In the Leagues Cup 2025, Puebla has taken on that role.
Puebla’s Recent Struggles
Currently, Puebla occupies the penultimate position in the overall table of Liga MX (Apertura 2025 tournament). Just a week ago, they faced the resignation of their head coach, Pablo Guede, which led to Martín Bravo, the under-21 team coach, taking charge on an interim basis.
To add to their challenges, Puebla had to pay a hefty 47 million pesos at the end of the 2024-25 season for being the second-worst in the percentage table of Liga MX. With no relegation, the penalty for the three weakest teams is an economic fine.
Puebla’s Surprising Leagues Cup Run
Despite these setbacks, Puebla managed to advance to the quarters of the Leagues Cup, which has tightened its format starting this year. Out of the 18 Liga MX clubs, only four advance to the knockout stage based on points after three rounds of the first stage.
“The team deserves to be here, as they gave their all to reach this stage,” stated Martín Bravo in a pre-quarterfinal press conference, where they will face Seattle Sounders.
Puebla’s Path to the Quarterfinals
Puebla surprised in the first round, defeating New York City FC (3-0) and Montreal FC (2-1), but lost 1-3 to Columbus Crew. With six points, they advanced as the fourth team from Liga MX.
This is Puebla’s first direct-elimination phase in an international tournament since 2016, when they contested the Copa Libertadores playoff but were eliminated by Racing de Argentina.
Motivation for Puebla
Puebla has strong incentives to face Seattle Sounders, as the Leagues Cup offers tickets to the 2026 Concacaf Champions League for its champion, runner-up, and third place. To reach the Concacaf Champions League otherwise, Puebla would need to become Liga MX champions or runners-up, which seems unlikely given their recent sporting and administrative shortcomings.
Expert Opinion
Francisco ‘Kikín’ Fonseca, a former Mexican footballer and Leagues Cup commentator for Apple TV, highlighted Puebla’s numerous issues over time.
“Puebla has many problems for a long time. It’s a consistently bad team, fighting the lower table positions due to lack of significant investments, directorial issues, and numerous adverse circumstances. It was surprising that they made it to this round,” Fonseca said.
However, Fonseca also told El Economista that the benefit for Puebla could be individual, through player exposure.
Puebla’s International History
Puebla has only one international title in its history, the Concachampions 1991, a year after winning its second Liga MX title. Their last international appearance was the Copa Libertadores replay in 2016. In terms of Concachampions, their last appearance was in 1993.
Liga MX’s Leagues Cup Challenge
The overall challenge for Liga MX in the Leagues Cup 2025 is to have at least one team reach the final for the first time.
The Leagues Cup, which started in 2019, now includes all 18 Liga MX clubs since 2023. No Mexican team has advanced beyond the semifinals between that year and 2024. Toluca, Tigres, Pachuca, or Puebla aim to rectify this.
Notable Quarterfinal Matches
Apart from Puebla vs. Seattle Sounders, the Tigres vs. Inter Miami match is noteworthy. Both clubs have high-cost rosters and international star players, such as Ángel Correa and Lionel Messi.
Toluca, the current Liga MX champions, will face Orlando City, aiming for their third consecutive title under Antonio Mohamed’s technical direction. They also won the 2024-25 Campeón de Campeones.
The last quarterfinal match is Pachuca against Los Angeles Galaxy. Pachuca, the current Apertura 2025 leaders, shone last year as Copa Intercontinental runners-up against Real Madrid. Galaxy, on the other hand, is the current MLS champion.
Leagues Cup 2025 Schedule
The Leagues Cup 2025 semifinals will be on August 26 and 27, while the final and third-place match will take place on Sunday, August 31.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is Puebla’s Leagues Cup run significant? A: Despite their struggles in Liga MX, Puebla’s advancement to the quarterfinals offers an unexpected chance for redemption and player exposure.
- Q: What are the stakes for Puebla in the Leagues Cup? A: Winning the tournament grants them a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions League, which is crucial as they aim to improve their standing in Mexican soccer.
- Q: How have other Liga MX teams fared in the Leagues Cup? A: No Liga MX team has reached the final since the tournament’s inclusion of all clubs in 2023. Toluca, Tigres, Pachuca, and Puebla aim to change that narrative.
