New York City FC and Santos Laguna get their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign underway when they square off at Yankee Stadium on Thursday. Both sides head into the continental showpiece in contrasting form, with Renato Paiva’s men losing each of their three games to start the new Mexican top-flight season.
New York City FC were denied a third MLS win on the bounce last weekend when they were held to a 1-1 stalemate with Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium.
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However, head coach Pascal Jansen can take pride in his side’s form in the league, where they are now unbeaten in six of their last seven games (4W 2D), a run which has seen them surge into fifth place in the Eastern Conference table.
New York City now turn their focus to the Leagues Cup, where they will be aiming to improve on their performance from last season, when they suffered a group-stage exit after losing two of their three matches.
Meanwhile, Santos Laguna failed to get up and running in the new Liga MX campaign as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Club America last Sunday.
Paiva’s men have lost each of their opening three league matches, suffering defeats against Monterrey, Atlas and Club America while conceding seven goals and scoring twice.
Like New York City, Santos suffered a group-stage exit from the Leagues Cup last season after losing each of their three games, conceding eight goals and scoring twice in that time.
New York City FC vs Santos Laguna Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- New York City FC and Santos Laguna are meeting for the very first time, and both sides will look to begin their head-to-head record on a positive note.
- Santos have lost eight of their last nine Leagues Cup matches, with a penalty-shootout victory over Atlanta United in August 2024 being the exception.
- New York City have won just two of their last eight home matches, while losing three and claiming three draws since March 22.
- Santos have won just one of their 28 competitive away games since the start of 2025, while losing 23 and claiming four draws in that time.
New York City FC vs Santos Laguna Prediction
Given Santos’ record in the competition and their form to start the new season, New York City will be backing themselves to get the job done in front of their home supporters.
The Mexican outfit’s form on the road has been nothing to write home about, and we fancy Jansen’s men to secure a comfortable victory here.
Prediction: New York City FC 3-1 Santos Laguna
New York City FC vs Santos Laguna Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – New York City FC to win
Tip 2: Both sides to score – Yes (Both sides have scored in five of New York City’s last six games)
Tip 3: Over 10.5 corners – No (There have also been fewer than 11 corner kicks in the hosts’ last five outings)
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
