Mexico. Connect Cup
The Connect Cup of Mexico stands as a vibrant national knockout competition, backed by the Mexican Football Federation and sponsored by telecom giant Connect. It brings together clubs from Liga MX, Liga de Expansión MX, and lower divisions, fostering underdog tales and clashes between powerhouses and minnows. This tournament epitomizes Mexico's football ethos, where provincial sides dare to dream against the elite.
History and foundation
Launched in 2022 as a rebranded evolution of the storied Copa México, the Connect Cup gained traction through savvy marketing and streaming innovations. Club América claimed the inaugural title, edging Toluca 2-1 in a final decided by a 89th-minute strike. The 2023 edition saw Liga de Expansión's Atlético La Paz stun the semis, while this season's quarterfinal between Monterrey and Pachuca featured a referee ejection drama. Rooted in the 1907 Copa México, it has weathered suspensions and reforms, now thriving under Connect's digital push with fan engagement via apps and live stats.
Tournament format
The format spans 128 teams kicking off in the Round of 128, pitting lower-tier sides against each other. Winners advance to the Round of 64, joined by top-flight clubs. From the Round of 32, away goals rule applies, with ties settled by penalties sans extra time. No groups mean pure knockout thrill. The final graces neutral venues like the iconic Estadio Azteca, drawing 80,000+ fans.
Interesting facts
Scoring averages 2.8 goals per game, spiking to 5+ in lower-bracket thrillers. Top scorer Henry Martín (América) nets 12 across two campaigns, trailed by Rodrigo Holmes' 10. Stars like 70s legend Giraldo Sánchez shone here; modern heroes include Uriel Antuna (Pachuca), whose 2023 hat-trick went viral. It launched careers of Roberto Carlos types and MLS crossovers, showcasing Mexico's fiery, offensive flair.