MLS NEXT Pro announced its first-ever match against competition from Mexico. On Saturday, July 27, the reigning MLS NEXT Pro Champion will face the Champion from Liga Expansión MX in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational. Austin FC II will host Cancún Fútbol Club at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center (8 pm CT/9 pm ET).
MLS NEXT Pro previously hosted the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational in 2022 and 2023, welcoming clubs from Premier League 2 and Bundesliga. In addition, two MLS NEXT Pro teams – LA Galaxy II and Philadelphia Union II – competed against Wrexham AFC during its summer tour of the United States in 2023.
“Having our clubs face international competition has been a priority since day one of our League, so we are glad to partner with Liga Expansión MX to give our respective champions the chance to compete,” said Ali Curtis, SVP of Sporting Development, MLS. “We are looking forward to not only this match between Austin FC II and Cancún F.C. but also to what the future may hold between the two leagues.”
Tickets for the Champion vs. Champion match will go on sale to the public on Monday, July 22 (10 am CT/11 am ET) at **SeatGeek.com**. Fans everywhere can watch for free on MLSNEXTPro.com.
In its inaugural season in the League, Austin FC II won the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup by making history, becoming the first-ever team in MLS or MLS NEXT Pro to win four consecutive playoff road games en route to the title. Verde Dos defeated the 2022 Champions, Columbus Crew 2, 3-1, at Lower.com Field in Columbus on October 22, 2023.
“This match is an exciting opportunity for our second team to test themselves against a high-quality international opponent,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell. “We look forward to welcoming Cancún F.C. to Austin.”
Cancún F.C. was crowned Liga Expansión MX Champions on May 18, 2024, after defeating Atlante Fútbol Club in penalty kicks (3-1) after a scoreless regulation and extra time in the second leg of the League Finals. The two clubs tied the first leg, 1-1.
"For Cancún F.C. it is a privilege to be able to participate in this match between the champions of MLS NEXT Pro and Liga Expansión MX, through which we achieve one of the great goals of our club, the internationalization of our brand and the exposure of our players to a challenge of a different level and context in football,” said Alejandro Vela, Director of Sports Operations of Cancún F.C. “We appreciate the invitation from Austin FC II and we are excited to enjoy this great match that we hope will be the first of many more events between our clubs and leagues.”
