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Like it or not, the Leagues Cup is back.
The controversial and polarizing midsummer tournament that forces the MLS and Liga MX to a one-month hiatus starts Friday, bringing complaints from some and praise from others.
Major League Soccer is in its best shape since its launch in 1996.
With 26 clubs strategically spread across the United States and three more in Canada, the league reported that stadiums are filled to 94% capacity each game.
So far this season, 8.3 million fans have attended MLS games, the highest number at the All-Star break in league history.
MLS average attendance so far is 23,194, the highest in league history.
With things going so well, it’s hard for some to understand why the MLS needs to be involved in a midsummer tournament.
“It is difficult to stop the league for so long,” said the Spanish midfielder of the LA Galaxy, Riqui Puig, who played for the MLS All-Star Team against the stars of Liga MX on Wednesday. Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus.
“It’s complicated, even more so if you are in a moment where you are adding victory after victory and the team is playing at a good level,” said Puig, who played for Barcelona before arriving in the MLS.
The Leagues Cup includes 77 matches hosted at MLS stadiums throughout the U.S. and Canada.
All 29 MLS clubs and 18 Liga MX teams participate in a World Cup-style tournament. The competition has a Group Stage made up of two regions (East and West), followed by knockout rounds until one team is crowned champion.
Officially sanctioned by Concacaf, the top three teams will receive automatic bids into the Concacaf Champions Cup with a chance to represent the Confederation at the FIFA Club World Cup.
“I don’t think that in Europe they would have accepted something like that,” said André-Pierre Gignac, the French forward who joined Liga MX Tigres from Club Marseille in 2015.
“It’s part of the show that the United States puts on and that’s cool, but the Leagues Cup is the beginning of a project that must improve,” said Gigac, who also played in Wednesday’s All-Star Game.
MLS teams are eight games away from completing their 34-game regular season, while Liga MX has just started its season with four matches on the books.
FC Dallas begins play in the Leagues Cup on Saturday, visiting St. Louis City SC.
On Wednesday, FCD will host FC Juárez, an incoming Liga MX team.
League Cup play will cut short a good run FCD has shown since Peter Luccin was appointed head coach on June 9, replacing Nico Estévez. But the interim coach praised the tournament.
“For me, the Leagues Cup is a fabulous tournament,” said Luccin, who took over FC Dallas when the team was second to last in the Western Conference, with just 14 points after 16 matches.
At the time of the All-Star break, FCD is fighting to get into the playoffs. It is in 11th place in its conference with 30 points. The nine best teams in each conference advance to the postseason.
“To be honest, I love the Leagues Cup because it is an opportunity for us to compete against Mexican teams that have a very good level and it helps us grow and learn,” Luccin said.
For FCD attacker Paul Arriola, the Leagues Cup adds more positive than negative things.
“I don’t have anything bad to say about playing the tournament between both Leagues,” said Arriola, who likes the rivalry brewing between the MLS and Liga MX.
“Both leagues are fighting to show which one is the best, and that is very good. I understand that some may not like this tournament, but for us, it is a great opportunity to compete at another level and try to win a trophy for the club.”
The most substantial criticism of the Leagues Cup comes from the Liga MX teams, which will be on tour for a month, playing games in MLS stadiums.
“It would be nice if MLS teams were also able to play in Mexico in different climates, altitudes, and fields; that would be more fair,” Gignac said.
In its first year, the Leagues Cup was a success largely due to Lionel Messi’s arrival in the MLS.
The Argentine star arrived last summer at Inter Miami CF, and the Leagues Cup served as the setting for his first appearances as an MLS player, including his visit to Toyota Stadium to play a knockout match against FCD.
The Aug. 6, 2023 game was epic. Led by two Messi goals, Inter Miami beat FC Dallas 5-3 on penalties after a wild 4-4 tie in regulation. Inter Miami eventually won last year’s Leagues Cup.
“It was a spectacular atmosphere that day here at Toyota Stadium,” Luccin said about the game against Inter Miami.
“That’s why the Leagues Cup is a very positive thing. It is a tournament that benefits fans who enjoy watching different teams and players, and we, as players and coaches, like to play it because we love to compete at the highest level.”
Find more FC Dallas coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Editor’s note: See all updated scenarios for the 2026 World Cup tournament bracket
The most volatile group has come to a close at the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt and Iran played to a 1-1 draw late on Friday night, which allowed Belgium to rise up from third place all the way to the top spot in the group while Egypt took second. Iran will have to wait and see if their third place finish is good enough to qualify for the knockout round.
As the Group G runner up, Egypt will take on Australia in the round of 32.
SHOP: Egypt vs. Australia 2026 World Cup tickets
Australia finished as the second-place team in Group D, sitting on four points. Egypt and Australia will face off in Dallas on Friday, July 3, the final match of the round of 32.
Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Egypt vs. Australia World Cup tickets.
Shop Egypt vs. Australia tickets
As of publication, the cheapest ticket to attend the Egypt vs. Australia costs $834. Lower-level seats for the round of 32 match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas start at $1,083.
Egypt will take on Australia in the round of 32. Australia finished as the runner up in Group D, finishing the group stage with one win, one draw and one loss.
Shop Egypt vs. Australia tickets
| TEAM | POINTS | RECORD |
| Belgium | 5 | 1-2-0 |
| Egypt | 5 | 1-2-0 |
| Iran | 3 | 0-3-0 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 0-1-2 |
Shop Egypt vs. Australia World Cup tickets
Shop Egypt vs. Australia tickets
Restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth are doubling down on their patriotism for the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, firing up limited-time deals and celebratory menus that range from elevated, reservation-only experiences and skyline dinners to casual fast-food specials, family meal packs, and grab-and-go treats designed for star-spangled celebrations. Special props to those that have found a way to work in “1776” and “250.”
Here are the DFW spots offering patriotic specials and deals. (Note: This list will grow as more are announced closer to the holiday.) For a list of top 4th of July events and fireworks, go here.
Black Sheep Coffee is celebrating America’s birthday over Fourth of July weekend with $4 matcha drinks from July 3-5. The special is good for small Iced Vanilla Matcha, Iced Blueberry Matcha, and Iced Strawberry & Cream Matcha drinks, with a $1 upgrade to a 16-ounce medium. The offer is available in-store and through the app at all four DFW locations.
Cantina Laredo is bringing back its patriotic USA ‘Rita for the Fourth of July weekend. Available July 3-5 at the Addison and Frisco locations, the festive frozen cocktail puts a red, white, and blue spin on the restaurant’s signature Casa ‘Rita with layers of Blue Curaçao and strawberry purée.
USA ‘Rita at Cantina LaredoPhoto courtesy of Cantina Laredo
El Chico is spicing up Independence Day weekend with Family Meal Packs available July 4-5 at its Rockwall location only (503 Interstate 30, Rockwall). Options include Family Fajitas ($73.99) with chicken, steak, or both; Family Tacos ($47.99) with 12 tacos and sides of rice and refried beans; and Family Enchiladas ($49.99) with a choice of beef, cheese, spinach, or chicken enchiladas, all serving six to eight people.
Ford’s Garage, the Plano burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is celebrating America’s 250th with a patriotic meal deal available July 1-4: an American Standard Burger, fries, and select draft beers or a soft drink for for $17.76, in tribute to the nation’s founding in 1776.
HTeaO tea shops are celebrating the Fourth of July with a pair of patriotic summer specials. Through Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America’s 250th cup. From July 1-4, participating locations will also offer three gallons of freshly brewed tea for $17.76, a nod to the year the United States declared its independence.
JD’s Chippery is celebrating Independence Day with festive Fireworks Cookie Cakes, available in a variety of sizes and cookie flavors with hand-decorated patriotic designs. The bakery’s Preston Royal location is also hosting a daily Cookie Happy Hour through July 31 from 5-7 pm, featuring a buy-one, get-one-free cookie deal.
JW Steakhouse at the JW Marriott Dallas is marking Independence Day with a four-course dinner for two on July 4. Priced at $195 per couple, the menu includes buffalo bison cigars and shrimp ceviche tostadas, a toasted farro salad with Fredericksburg peaches, a pepper-crusted tomahawk steak with charred cipollini onions and black garlic truffle purée, and chipotle chocolate cake with Garrison Brothers bourbon cherry sauce. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional charge.
Kessaku will offer a Fourth of July experience with limited window seating atop The National in downtown Dallas. Guests can reserve exclusive window tables with a $250 deposit, securing panoramic skyline and fireworks views from one of Dallas’ highest dining destinations.
Luckys Diner on Oak Lawn Avenue is celebrating Independence Day with a Stars, Strips & Sausage special available July 1-4. The $10.49 meal includes a grilled sausage plate with potato salad and pinto beans, with the option to add a slice of apple pie.
Monarch is marking Independence Day with Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a Fourth of July celebration atop The National on July 4. The experience features a prix-fixe dinner priced at $150 per person (with a $55 children’s menu), served from 5:30-10 pm, along with optional window seating for fireworks views. The menu will include dishes such as wagyu filet, wood-grilled branzino, hamachi crudo, hearth-grilled lamb ribs, and a shared s’mores dessert. Monarch is also offering a limited-time gift card promotion over the July 4 weekend: purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $50 bonus card for a future visit, available July 4-5.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a lineup of festive cakes and patriotic-themed desserts. Seasonal offerings include a patriotic decorated cake, Fireworks and Freedom Bundtini toppers, and the return of S’mores Made With Hershey’s through July 19, featuring chocolate cake with milk chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham streusel. From July 3-5, Bundtastic Rewards members can earn 250 bonus points on any purchase as part of the holiday promotion.

Sonic is celebrating America’s 250th with a limited-time America $2.50 Menu available through July 12. Participating locations are offering fan favorites for $2.50 each, including the returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float, Jr. Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, and medium onion rings. The chain is also serving drinks in limited-edition commemorative cups.
The Statler in downtown Dallasis celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with all-day dining, drink specials, and rooftop festivities across its venues, including Overeasy, Scout, and Waterproof. Overeasy is offering breakfast specials like BBQ Brisket Benedict, Red, White & Blue Pancakes, and Firecracker Omelets from 7 am-2 pm. Later in the day, Scout and Waterproof will serve classic American fare such as burgers, ribs, and smoked sausage alongside themed cocktails like Uncle Sam’s Punch, Star Spangled Spritz, and The Patriot. The celebration culminates at Waterproof with a rooftop pool and fireworks watch party from 7 pm-1 am, featuring a $35 cover charge, live entertainment, and patriotic frozen treats and cocktails.
Editor’s note: See World Cup standings and scenarios updated in real time
The Socceroos live on at the 2026 World Cup.
Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night, which was good enough for Australia to secure second place in Group D and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. Paraguay is likely to advance as a high-ranking third place team, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.
SHOP: Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets
Australia will head to Dallas where they will play their first elimination match on Friday, July 3 against the second-place team from Group G.
While we don’t yet know Australia’s opponent, we know the location, date and time of the match, which means tickets are already available. Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Australia World Cup tickets in Dallas.
Shop Australia Round of 32 tickets
As of publication, the cheapest round of 32 ticket to see Australia in Dallas on Friday, July 3 is $937. Any ticket for less than $1,000 at this point in the tournament is a steal considering most other prices.
As the runner-up of Group D, Australia will take on the second-place finisher from Group G. Australia’s opponent will be finalized on Friday, but given the current standings it could be any of the following four teams:
Shop Australia Round of 32 tickets
Shop Australia World Cup tickets
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