Ahead of the international break, North American football is setting the stage for a dramatic series of elimination clashes. In MLS, the first round of the playoffs has produced several decisive Game 3 matchups, while Liga MX’s regular season reaches its final matchday with playoff positions on the line. Meanwhile, the CONCACAF Central American Cup semifinals have wrapped up, setting the stage for (possibly) a new regional champion. In South America, River Plate is in the midst of a turmoil.
Hormiga Gonzalez Carries Chivas To Liga MX Playoffs
Liga MX has a new star. Chivas’ 22-year-old striker Armando “Hormiga” González is suddenly making a strong case to be selected for El Tri ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. González has spearheaded a late-season resurgence for Chivas — Mexico’s most popular club — with 11 goals in 16 appearances.
He delivered a stunning outside-the-box winner against Pachuca last weekend, giving Chivas their sixth victory in the last seven Liga MX matches. González also netted a hat trick in the October 25th Clásico Tapatío against Atlas, helping secure Chivas’ spot in the Liga MX Apertura playoffs. With one game left, they’re projected to finish as the sixth seed (8-2-6) and will close out the regular season at home against fifth-place Monterrey Rayados (9-4-3).
Clásico Regio Ends in a Draw
Rayados hosted eternal rivals Tigres UANL at Estadio BBVA over the weekend, settling for a tense 1–1 draw that easily could have gone worse. Tigres, unbeaten since August, looked poised to take control after Rayados Corcho Rodríguez was sent off on a red card for a harsh tackle in the 32nd minute. Despite creating multiple clear chances, Tigres failed to capitalize before Jesús Ángulo conceded a penalty and received a second yellow card, allowing Sergio Canales to convert from the spot for Monterrey.
Playing 10v10 in the second half, Tigres continued to look sharper. Ángel Correa broke through the line for a goal in the 67th minute from a Juan Brunetta assist — one of Liga MX’s most dangerous partnerships in form.
Coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute, expensive Rayados signing Anthony Martial — the former Manchester United “starboy” — again struggled to make an impact. Martial has yet to record a goal or assist in seven appearances and continues to see limited minutes off the bench in Domenec Torrent’s Spanish-heavy squad. Monterrey look set for a fifth-place finish, the only top-five team without a win over another top-four side this season. Rayados fans are also worried about the form of Uruguayan international goalkeeper Santiago Mele.
Cruz Azul leads the Liga MX table with one game to play, while Toluca and Club América sit just one point behind, and Tigres two back. Toluca star Alexis Vega will miss international duty with El Tri due to injury, and Toluca will need him back if they are to repeat as Champions.
Liga MX Play-In Positions To Be Decided on Final Matchday
The final playoff berths will be decided this weekend. Juárez and Pachuca have already clinched play-in spots, while Tijuana Xolos (9th, 21 points) are three points clear of the final play-in position. Pumas (18 points), Santos Laguna, Atlas, Querétaro, Atlético San Luis, and Necaxa all remain mathematically alive for that last berth.
In off-field news, Welsh international Aaron Ramsey terminated his contract with Pumas (a Mexico City club) after an animal care center lost his family dog, abruptly ending his Liga MX stint after six games.
Lionel Messi Faces Win-or-Go-Home Game 3 in 2025 MLS Playoffs
It’s déjà vu for Inter Miami in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Last season, they were knocked out in Game 3 by Atlanta United. This year, Nashville SC has forced another decisive third match in Miami to settle their first-round series.
Messi has scored three goals in two games, but Miami fell behind early in Game 2 at Nashville and never recovered. Game 3 is set for November 8th at Chase Stadium, marking what could be the final playoff appearance for veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Elsewhere in MLS, several other Round 1 series are also going the distance. Top-seeded Philadelphia Union advanced after winning Game 1 on penalties and cruising in Game 2 against the Chicago Fire. FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew traded wins, forcing a decisive derby showdown, while Charlotte FC stayed alive with a dramatic 7–6 penalty shootout victory over NYCFC to force a Game 3 at home.
Son Heung-min’s LAFC to Face Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps
In the Western Conference, two of MLS’s in-form clubs made quick work of their opening series. LAFC swept Austin FC, winning 4–1 in Game 2 behind a Denis Bouanga brace and an opener from Son Heung-min.
They’ll face Thomas Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals. Vancouver won Game 1 over FC Dallas 3–0 with Müller scoring from the penalty spot, then survived a dramatic Game 2 — equalizing in extra time before prevailing in a perfect penalty shootout.
Seattle Sounders youthful superstar Obed Vargas scored twice to force a Game 3 against Minnesota United, while expansion side San Diego FC continue their remarkable debut campaign. After winning Game 1 at home against Portland, they suffered heartbreak in Game 2, conceding a 98th-minute equalizer before losing on penalties. Game 3 on November 9th in San Diego promises to be a spectacular atmosphere.
Alajuelense to Face Xelajú in 2025 CONCACAF Central American Cup Final
A bye round berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup — and regional bragging rights — will be on the line when Costa Rica’s Alajuelense face Guatemala’s Xelajú in the 2025 CONCACAF Central American Cup Final. The two-legged final will take place between late November and early December.
The competition, now in its third season, has been run by Alajuelense, who are seeking their third straight title. Surprisingly, neither finalist topped their group. Xelajú advanced past Sporting San Miguelito of Panama after extra time, while Alajuelense eliminated Honduran side F.C. Motagua.
Both semifinals were decided by penalty shootouts — Xelajú edged Honduran side Real España, and Alajuelense held off Honduran side Olimpia thanks to flawless goalkeeping in the tiebreak.
As the international break arrives, the stage is set across North and Central America for a thrilling month of playoff deciders and continental glory.
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
