Club América was more than a thousand miles from Mexico City, but Dignity Health Sports Park felt like home. Backed by a sea of yellow, América defeated Columbus Crew 2-0 to reach the Leagues Cup semifinals.

One stadium. Two matches. Two handball decisions. VAR became the defining story at BMO Stadium, reshaping LAFC and Angel City FC matches through disallowed goals, a late penalty, and debates that continued long after the final whistle.

LAFC survived Querétaro on penalties, but the bigger story goes beyond one result. As MLS and Liga MX trade blows in Leagues Cup 2026, the gap between the two leagues is becoming harder to define.