NYCFC finally knows the Leagues Cup schedule for 2024

On Thursday, New York City FC, the rest of Major League Soccer, and Liga MX finally released the Leagues Cup schedule. The summer tournament, like last season, will lead to about a month break in MLS play. In other words, if the Pigeons are eliminated early, then they could see a few weeks without a competitive match.

The Leagues Cup schedule for NYCFC is here

Nonetheless, NYCFC will play two matches in the group round. The club already knew they would play FC Cincinnati and Querétaro F.C. to start off the tournament. Now, they know the when and where.

According to the club, the Bronx side will open the tournament against Querétaro F.C. at Yankee Stadium. This is great news, for they played both group-round games at Red Bull Arena in 2023. Instead, this fixture will be at one of their home stadiums on Sunday, July 28 at 8:00 PM.

Unlike last season, NYCFC will travel for the second match. The Pigeons will face FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Monday, August 5. This will also take place at 8:00 PM.

The rest of the tournament remains the same, where the top two teams of each group will move on to the Round of 32. The rest of the way will be one-game knockouts. NYCFC made it to the Round of 32 in 2023 but the New York Red Bulls subsequently knocked out the Boys in Blue.

The knockout rounds will take place from August 7 through August 25. MLS will resume the weekend of August 24 except for any teams in the finals or third-place match.

The Leagues Cup is fun and exciting, but many fans would prefer to have their team in the U.S. Open Cup. The oldest tournament in the United States is more authentic and based on the love of the game. The newer tournament does not have that. It can get there at some point, but the magic is not the same.

In the end, will NYCFC make a run in this year's Leagues Cup? It is possible. However, it seems unlikely based on the season through today.