Antonio Mohamed commits to winning the Leagues Cup with Toluca: "We aspire to the highest"

Toluca coach Antonio Mohamed is determined to win the Leagues Cup, emphasizing the tournament's importance as he prepares his team for their home opener against Seattle Sounders. As one of three Liga MX teams hosting matches in the 2026 edition, Toluca aims to make their home stadium, the Estadio Nemesio Diez, a fortress.

“

We play at home and we have to win, that is our only objective. It is a tournament in which we aspire to the highest, [we want] to reach the last game, and for that, tomorrow [today] is an important step because any slip-up can leave you out.

"We play at home and we have to win, that is our only objective. It is a tournament in which we aspire to the highest, [we want] to reach the last game, and for that, tomorrow [today] is an important step because any slip-up can leave you out," Mohamed stated. He acknowledged the challenge posed by the Seattle Sounders, recognizing the quality of MLS teams and their coach's experience.

Mohamed also voiced criticism regarding the Leagues Cup's competition system. He argued that the current format, which has shifted from a 100% away format for Liga MX teams to approximately 90-10, is not entirely fair. "It's good that they have brought some games here, before it was 100%, now it is 90-10, for something they start, [but] I insist that it is not fair because the level of competition is very even and home advantage makes a difference," he opined.

“

We know that MLS has a very good level and it is going to be a very difficult match. The coach has a lot of experience, he has won almost everything he has played, it is a team that knows each other very well, but we are well prepared and we have to take advantage of the home advantage.

Despite his reservations about the format, Mohamed expressed confidence in his team's preparation. He believes they are well-equipped to face the Seattle Sounders and must capitalize on their home advantage. The match is considered "practically decisive" for advancing to the next phase, underscoring the high stakes for Toluca in their opening game.

“

That good that they have brought some games for here, before it was 100%, now it is 90-10, for something they start, [but] I insist that it is not fair because the level of competition is very even and the home advantage makes a difference.