Amidst a slump in MLS play, Austin FC hope to reignite their playoff push with a run in the 2024 Leagues Cup as they open their group stage slate against Pumas at home on Friday.
Los Verdes sit outside the postseason positions in the Western Conference as league play breaks, and they were eliminated in the group stage of last year's Leagues Cup as the recent expansion club has stagnated over the past year.
They have a tough first matchup as they meet Pumas, who have begun the young Liga MX season strong, sitting second in the Apertura standings through the first four games, winning three of those early results. Pumas were considered one of the top Liga MX contenders in last year's Leagues Cup, but after winning their group, they disappointed in an early knockout exit by Queretaro.
This match is one of the first in the competition slated for free broadcast around the globe, as The Sporting News brings you all the details for how to access the game from Texas.
MORE: Find out which Leagues Cup games are streaming free on MLS Season pass from Apple TV
Pumas vs. Austin FC free live stream, TV channel
- Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
- Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
- TV channel (USA): FS1 (English), UniMas (Spanish), TUDN (Spanish)
- Streaming (USA): Fubo, MLS Season Pass from Apple TV (free), Fox Sports app/website, TUDN.com, Univision Now
Every single match throughout the entirety of the 2024 Leagues Cup is available to stream around the globe on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV. This match has been tabbed for free broadcast on Apple TV, meaning it is accessible for anyone to watch, regardless of subscription status.
Additionally, in the United States, this match will be broadcast on FS1 in English, and UniMas/TUDN in Spanish. All three channels are available to stream on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.
What time is Pumas vs. Austin FC kickoff?
This Leagues Cup group match kicks off from Q2 Stadium on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 8 p.m. local time in Austin, Texas.
Here's how that time translates across some of the timezones in the USA:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Jul. 26 | 9 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Jul. 26 | 8 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Jul. 27 | 7 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Jul. 27 | 6 p.m. |
| Alaska ST | Sat, Jul. 27 | 5 p.m. |
| Alaska ST | Sat, Jul. 27 | 3 p.m. |
Pumas vs. Austin FC lineups & team news
Pumas must press on without Leonardo Suarez who was withdrawn early in their most recent Liga MX fixture and will miss months due to a serious knee injury. He will likely be replaced by young Peruvian international Piero Quispe who saw action in the Copa America group stage this summer.
The star of the show for Pumas is Cesar Huerta who was one of the few bright spots for Mexico at the Copa America, and has two goals in the first four league matches of the season.
Pumas projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): J. Gonzalez (GK) — Bennevendo, Nathan, Duarte, Monroy — Rivas, J. Caicedo — Ruvalcaba, Quispe, Huerta — Funes Mori.
Star playmaker Sebastian Driussi is well rested for the start of the Leagues Cup after being suspended for the club's recent draw with Charlotte FC due to suspension.
Striker Diego Rubio has lost his place up front to former U.S. international Gyasi Zardes, coming off the bench in each of the last two matches after starting much of the season's first half.
Austin FC projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Stuver (GK) — Gallagher, Cascante, Hines-Ike, Guilherme — Ring, D. Pereira — Finlay, Driussi, Obrian — Zardes.
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