Toluca Advances to Leagues Cup Quarterfinals; Coach Mohamed Eyes Neutral Venue

Toluca has clinched a quarterfinal berth in the 2026 Leagues Cup, defeating FC Dallas 3-1 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez. The home crowd's support was a significant factor in the victory, which saw goals from Alexis Vega, Federico Viñas, and Erick Gutiérrez. This win places Antonio Mohamed's squad among the top eight teams in the binational tournament.

“

We had to do our part, which was to win and see the results. We are very happy because it happened, we'll see who we get now, but we are calm because we are back in a decisive stage as we had planned.

Following the match, coach Antonio Mohamed shared his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating that they had achieved their initial objective of winning and advancing. He expressed contentment with the team's current standing and readiness for the decisive stages of the competition. Mohamed also commented on the upcoming quarterfinals, noting that while playing in a neutral venue in the United States is a positive aspect, he hopes for a more balanced schedule in future editions of the tournament.

“

It's impossible, that's totally ruled out. What is true is that by being the best positioned in Concacaf, we can play in a neutral venue in the United States, so, all things considered, that's quite good because we wouldn't play in the house of whoever we would face; there would be a bit more justice because we would both have to travel.

Mohamed acknowledged the challenges of competing in multiple tournaments simultaneously, including the demands of travel. He indicated a preference for the Leagues Cup to be scheduled later in the year, allowing teams more time to gel and find rhythm. Despite these considerations, he affirmed that Toluca would not downplay the importance of either competition and would strive to contend for both titles. The coach emphasized the need for adaptation and continuous competition, stating that complaining would not be productive.

“

It would be good if this tournament were a little later so that the teams are more cohesive, with more games and rhythm, but well, it is what it is, we have to adapt, keep playing and competing. We have to accept it as it is, nothing more to say [because] if you complain, you are crying. I'm going to field this team that played.