MIAMI — The 2025/26 Concacaf W Champions Cup opens its first week with a Group A showdown between LD Alajuelense and Club América Femenil, set for Wednesday at the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Both clubs are back for a second consecutive year and will meet for the first time in the history of the tournament.
Club América jaws on the heels of a strong debut season. They finished fourth in the inaugural edition and qualified as the runner-up with the best overall Liga MX Femenil table after reaching the Clausura 2025 Final. Captain Kiana Palacios, the dynamic Sarah Luebbert, and rising star Montserrat Saldivar will return to the W Champions Cup battlefield with Las Águilas.
Eight-time Costa Rican champions Alajuelense also return to the tournament, aiming to build on their notable performance from the previous edition. They were the only Central American side to register a victory last year. The squad includes regulars like Kenia Rangel, María Paula Coto, and Angela Mesén, who are expected to help write more history for the club.
What to watch
– This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams in the W Champions Cup context, adding extra intrigue to a high-stakes Group A clash.
– América arrives with championship pedigree and key attacking talents, while Alajuelense brings domestic success and regional experience to the stage.
– The result could set the tone for Group A as the tournament progresses and shape early qualification hopes for both sides.
Summary
The match presents a compelling opening for Group A, pairing two seasoned programs as they begin their quest in the 2025/26 Concacaf W Champions Cup.
Overall outlook: a positive, competitive start with potential for standout performances from veterans and exciting young talents alike.