Nashville SC continue their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign with a crucial visit to the historic Estadio Azteca to face Club América in the return leg of the quarterfinal.
After drawing nil-nil at Geodis Park, any draw with goals or a win will see the Boys in Gold advance, the same situation Nashville SC found themselves in last round against Inter Miami.
The scorelines that take Club América or Nashville SC to the Semifinals 🏟️@KavakMexico pic.twitter.com/FB3qXX8ZCV
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) April 9, 2026
This is one of the biggest matches in Nashville SC history. At 10:30 CT, it's also the latest kickoff time in club history. Put on a pot of coffee and get ready for the game with us!
SixOneFive Soccer Staff
Match info
Teams: Nashville SC vs Club América
Odds: AME (-145), Draw (+260), NSH (+340)
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 10:30 pm CT, Estadio Azteca ("Estadio Banorte" for sponsorship reasons), Mexico City, Mexico
TV: FS1, TUDN , ConcacafGO, OneSoccer
Forecast: 76º/53º. 65º at kickoff. Partly sunny. 6 mph winds. 5% chance of rain. 41% humidity.
Head-to-head
Nashville wins: 1
Nashville goals: 2
Draws: 1
América wins: 0
América goals: 2
Last meeting: NSH 0-0 AME (CONCACAF Champions Cup)
Club América
The numbers
Goal leaders: Brian Rodríguez (3), Alex Zendejas, Raphael Veiga, Víctor Dávilla, Patricio Salas (2)
Assist leaders: Brian Rodríguez, Raphael Veiga, Alex Zendejas (2)
Last match: América 1-1 Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
Club América snapshot
SixOneFive Soccer's Ben Wright took a look at América from a big picture perspective in the last leg preview. Make sure to check it out. This preview will be more focused on the specific matchup tonight.
Ben Wright
América's disappointing results have continued after yet another draw, this time 1-1 with fellow Champions Cup quarterfinalist, Cruz Azul. This now makes the club from Mexico City winless in five matches, though only losing once. This is the longest winless streak for the club since April 2025.
While defensively they look solid, things don't seem to be clicking on the other side of the pitch. In Liga MX, América are barely hanging on to a playoff position thanks to their goal difference. They are in the bottom five in goals scored, but second-best in goals conceded.
This contrast was certainly present in the first leg as América drastically limited Nashville's chances, holding them to a 0.79 xG. América had no issue with Nashville keeping most of the ball, as only three of their 13 shots actually hit the target. In the attack, América had a few chances, but ultimately none that truly threatened the Nashville SC goal.
Things will most likely be different in Estadio Azteca, where América will try to impose themselves on the match and be on the front foot. That said, they'll likely stick to the principles of play and organization at the back, with players like Erick Sánchez and Álex Zendejas looking to connect in transition moments.
Head coach André Jardine opted for some rotation in the latest league match, resting four players who started the first leg. América are expected to make minimal changes, if any, to the last lineup against Nashville.
One of the players to start both matches is 22-year-old striker Patricio Salas, who has been seeing more minutes lately and seemingly looks to have taken the starting role. Salas scored his second goal of the season and for the club on Saturday against Cruz Azul. With Colombian striker Raúl Zúñiga seeing limited minutes and superstar Henry Martín out on injury, the door is wide open for Salas to make a name for himself.
Predicted XI
Nashville SC
The numbers
Goal leaders: Sam Surridge (8), Cristian Espinoza (3)
Assist leaders: Cristian Espinoza, Patrick Yazbek (3), Warren Madrigal, Matthew Corcoran, Andy Nájar (2)
Last match: Charlotte FC 1-2 Nashville SC (MLS Regular Season)
Nashville SC snapshot
Head coach BJ Callaghan was a bit more keen on rotating than his counterpart. Nashville SC went to Charlotte with seven changes to the lineup and were still able to get a win, thanks to goals from the midfield duo of Patrick Yazbek and Eddi Tagseth.
Ben Wright
The Boys in Gold have showcased that regardless of the players selected or the location of the match, they are able to effectively stick to their style of play. Some minimal tweaks are often employed by the coaching staff, but the principles remain the same.
This might become an issue considering the altitude of Mexico City. Nashville's style relies heavily on counter-pressing and "controlled aggression," which requires players to be in top physical shape and play at maximum intensity for 90 minutes. Playing at 7,200 feet above sea level will surely make Nashville's mission difficult.
Not many changes are expected for Nashville in Mexico City. Alex Muyl, who seems interchangeable with Warren Madrigal, might come back into the lineup. Another change might be starting Tagseth ahead of Matt Corcoran as a reward for his performance in Charlotte. Both Muyl and Ahmed Qasem avoided serious injury concerns in Charlotte and are available tonight.
For Nashville, the goal is clear: balance the aggressive style with defensive stability. They were able to achieve that in Miami a few weeks back, but at times this season, they have looked vulnerable on the counter.
With the elevation and nearly 85,000 fans screaming, the margin for error is near zero. América will be waiting to take advantage of the slightest mistake from Nashville SC.
Big games require big players, and for Nashville, that means at least one of the DPs will have to step up. Sam Surridge missed a couple of good opportunities in the home match, something Nashville won't be able to afford in Mexico. Cristian Espinoza and Hany Mukhtar are in good form, but will need to be at their best in order to get a result.
Predicted XI
Staff predictions
Ben Wright
Score: AME 1-1 NSH
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold prediction: Nashville get close to record low possession totals in the Callaghan era, but squeeze through to the semifinals.
Jeff Remlinger
Score: AME 3-1 NSH
Scorers: Jeison Palacios
MOTM: No one
Bold prediction: Nashville learn a harsh lesson.
Ronan Briscoe
Score: AME 2–1 NSH
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Brian Schwake
Bold prediction: Nashville fights hard, but the schedule, and maybe the altitude, catch up to them and the dam breaks late.
Valair Shabilla
Score: AME 1-1 NSH
Scorers: Cristian Espinoza
MOTM: Cristian Espinoza
Bold prediction: A repeat of the Miami series.
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