The NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup, the first tournament between the NWSL and LIGA MX Femenil, kicks off July 19th, featuring all 14 NWSL clubs and the six teams with the most points achieved in LIGA MX Femenil Clausura and Apertura during 2023, including Tigres UANL, Club América, Chivas de Guadalajara, Rayadas de Monterrey, Pachuca, and Tijuana. It's an exciting opportunity for soccer fans to see the best talent from two of the world’s top leagues face off, and we have all the details on the first round of group stage matches here!
How do I watch live games from the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup?
- CBS Sports will be the exclusive English-language distributor of all 33 Summer Cup games, with every match set to stream live on Paramount+, 11 matches simulcasting on CBS Sports Golazo Network and 12 matches simulcasting on CBS Sports Network, including the semifinals and championship match.
- TUDN, the sports programming branch of Spanish-language network Univision, will air three group stage matches while NWSL+ will serve as the Spanish-language home for the remaining group stage matches in the U.S.
Friday, July 19
Group A: Seattle Reign FC vs Utah Royals FC - 9:00 PM ET
Where to watch: CBSSN, Paramount+
In the first ever NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup, two NWSL clubs are kicking off the excitement in Seattle, WA. The Royals are familiar with Seattle, having just visited for a regular season NWSL match on July 7th which resulted in a draw after both sides scored late second half goals. This is a fresh start, however, and a chance for both sides to implement new strategies and test the bench ahead of the return of the regular season.
Group C: Tigres UANL vs. CF Pachuca - 10:00 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+, Golazo
Friday night will end with the first Summer Cup match between Liga MX Femenil clubs and it’s sure to be a heavy hitter. Tigres, also known as Las Amazonas, are the dominant superpower in Mexico with six championships to their name and play an attacking style that overwhelms opponents’ backlines. Their star player, Lizbeth Ovalle, is sure to attract interest from NWSL fans who have never watched a Tigres match and are therefore unfamiliar with her skilled ball control and crosses. Their opponent, Pachuca, fell in the Clausura 2023 final against Club América and in its history, has no championship titles. However, their acquisition of Kenti Robles from Real Madrid can be seen as an indicator of their intentions to return to competitive form and challenge the top LIGA MX teams’ dominance. The Summer Cup could be their chance to show the world what they’re made of.
Saturday, July 20
Group D: Chicago Red Stars vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC - 5:00 PM ET
Where to watch: CBSSN, Paramount+
The Red Stars are hosting Gotham FC, their east coast rivals, for the first Saturday match and the first of Group D. The two NWSL clubs last played in May, with Gotham FC winning 2-1 after a stoppage time goal from Ella Stevens. One of the most in-form players of the season, Stevens will be a star to watch this Summer Cup. And for the Red Stars, a team known for their chemistry and ability to create chances, it’ll surely be a competitive match.
Group E: North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride - 7:30 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+
Orlando Pride sit at the top of the NWSL standings this season, undefeated in 2024, but this is the Summer Cup, and it’s anyone's game. North Carolina Courage are hosting the league titans on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park for the second time this season, after having faced them at home in June. The match ended in a draw, with the Courage’s defense being tested by 21 shots and 5 shots on target. Players to watch are Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez and Pride forward Ally Watt, two of the most exciting players in the league this season who have both showed up big time for their clubs.
Group C: Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash - 8:00 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+, Golazo
The Current are hosting the Dash at CPKC Stadium for the second time this season. The last encounter, just a few weeks ago, was marked by an unforgettable moment when Current forward Temwa Chawinga "scored" the league’s first-ever River Goal—her shot landed in the nearby Missouri River, delighting sports fans across the world. Kansas City was slow to wake up in that match, finally scoring in the 77th minute. Will the Dash frustrate them once again, or will the Current break free earlier and give their home fans a show?
Group E: Racing Louisville FC vs. C.F. Monterrey - 8:00 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+
On Saturday night at Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville is hosting Las Rayadas in the first match between an NWSL club and a LIGA MX club of the tournament. Known for their direct style of play, Monterrey’s main goal scorers Christina Burkenroad and Myra Delgadillo will be tested by Louisville’s experienced backline and battle tested goalkeeper Katie Lund. It’s also a great opportunity for the NWSL side to get more game time for their core rookies, who so far this season have been dependable and integral in their club’s three huge wins and seven hard-fought draws.
Group B: San Diego Wave vs. Bay FC - 10:00 PM ET
Where to watch: CBSSN, Paramount+
Group B is comprised of the three California-based clubs plus LIGA MX giant Club América and in the first matchup of the group, it’s a classic NorCal versus SoCal rivalry match. The Wave are hosting Bay FC in sandy San Diego, after having played each other twice already this season (with each home side finding victory). Players to watch: Wave forward Alex Morgan, a fan favorite, and Bay FC midfielder Tess Boade, who has emerged as a leader for her team and one of their main offensive creators.
Group B: Angel City FC vs. Club América - 10:00 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+
One of the most formidable clubs in LIGA MX Femenil, América is an unstoppable force when it comes to goal scoring. To strengthen their defense, they’ve recently signed Sandra Panos from the European champions, FC Barcelona. They’ll be tough to overcome but Angel City FC is up to the task when they host the Mexican club at Titan Stadium in the last Summer Cup match of the day.
Sunday, July 21
Group D: Washington Spirit vs. C.D. Guadalajara - 4:30 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+, Golazo
In the third match of the weekend between NWSL and LIGA MX clubs, the Washington Spirit are hosting Las Chivas in Chester, Pennsylvania. Carolina Jaramillo, Guadalajara’s Jaramillo, plays similarly to many traditional playmakers in the NWSL and will be fun to watch for anyone new to LIGA MX, as she distributes passes amongst her team and creates chances for its attackers. She’ll have a tough time against one of the top defenses in the NWSL, however, with the experienced Aubrey Kingsbury guarding the goal box against anyone looking to create scoring chances.
Group A: Portland Thorns FC vs. Club Tijuana - 7:00 PM ET
Where to watch: Paramount+, Golazo
In the final fixture of the first round of group matches, the Portland Thorns are hosting Las Xolas at home in front of their passionate fanbase. USWNT fans might recognize one of the names on the LIGA MX club’s roster, left winger Mayra Pelayo who delivered a stunning goal against the U.S. in their 2024 W Gold Cup match. For club, Pelayo is equally ruthless in the attack and will look to punish the Thorns if given the space and opportunity. For the Thorns, Hina Sugita will be a player to watch and will be integral in unlocking Tijuana’s defense for a chance at getting on the board early and often.
