Columbus Crew vs Atlas: Promising Start for Leagues Cup 2026
Columbus Crew is set to face Atlas in the opening match of the Leagues Cup 2026, with the MLS team favored

Atlas is set to face Tigres UANL in a crucial match for both teams in the fourth round of Liga MX Apertura 2026. The game will take place at 10:00 AM on August 16, 2026. While Atlas currently holds a higher position in the league standings, they are perceived as the weaker team in terms of overall strength.
According to the ELO ratings, Tigres UANL boasts a score of 86, significantly higher than Atlas's score of 78. Tigres is currently ranked 145th globally and 4th in Mexico, while Atlas sits at 929th globally and 16th in the national standings. This disparity indicates a clear advantage for Tigres in terms of squad quality and competitive capability. ELO ratings suggest that Tigres has a 47.3% chance of winning, compared to Atlas's 25.5%, with a 27.2% probability of a draw.
Atlas enters this match with six points from three games, having achieved two wins and one loss. They are currently ranked ninth in the league, having scored four goals and conceded four. After a narrow 1-0 victory over Santos Laguna, Atlas faced a setback with a 0-2 loss to Monterrey. Their recent form has been inconsistent, especially in the Leagues Cup, where they lost to Columbus Crew and Charlotte before finally breaking their losing streak with a 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati.
On the other hand, Tigres UANL has had a disappointing start to the Apertura season, with no wins in their first three matches, resulting in one draw and two losses, placing them at 16th with just one point. They have scored five goals but conceded eight, leaving them with a goal difference of -3. Tigres's defensive issues have been evident, as they drew 2-2 with Atletico San Luis and lost 2-3 to Queretaro. However, their performances in the Leagues Cup, where they managed to win on penalties against Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United, and Vancouver Whitecaps, have helped boost their confidence.
The historical matchups favor Tigres, who remain unbeaten in their last five encounters with Atlas, recording two wins and three draws. Their most recent clash in April 2026 ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
While Atlas has the advantage of playing at home and is coming off a victory, they have struggled in recent matches, losing three out of their last four across all competitions. Conversely, Tigres, despite their lack of wins in the Apertura, possess superior ELO ratings and a stronger squad. Therefore, the prediction for this match is Atlas 1-2 Tigres UANL, reflecting Tigres's potential to leverage their strengths against a determined Atlas side.