The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 delivers an intriguing cross-regional matchup as Los Angeles FC (LAFC) hosts LD Alajuelense in the first leg. LAFC advanced with a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over Real España in the opening round, showcasing their attacking depth with contributions from stars like Denis Bouanga and Heung-Min Son. Alajuelense, winners of the 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup (third consecutive), earned their spot with a bye as a seeded team and bring regional experience led by players like Ronaldo Cisneros and Ronald Matarrita. This is the third meeting in the competition, with LAFC holding a slight edge from their 2023 Round of 16 tie (4-2 aggregate win). The return leg is scheduled for March 17 at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Venue Location
BMO Stadium
Los Angeles, California, USA
(Home of Los Angeles FC; capacity: ~22,000)
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM PT (11:00 PM ET / 4:00 AM UTC on March 11)
Broadcast: FS2, TUDN (USA); streaming on Fubo, Concacaf GO, ViX, and MLS platforms in select regions.
Weather Updates
Forecast for Los Angeles on March 10, 2026, promises mild Southern California conditions perfect for soccer. Expect clear to partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C) at kickoff, dropping to the low 60s°F (16-17°C) later. Winds light (5-10 mph from the west), humidity 50-60%, and a near 0% chance of precipitation. No weather concerns anticipated, though the evening cool could suit high-intensity play.
Injury Report
LAFC faces several absences that could impact depth, particularly in attack and defense, while Alajuelense appears relatively healthy entering the tie.
Los Angeles FC:
- Lorenzo Dellavalle (defender, leg): Out until late March.
- Jeremy Ebobisse (forward, leg): Out until late March.
- Igor Jesus (forward, cruciate ligament): Out until late May (long-term).
- Aaron Long (defender, leg): Out until late March.
- Jacob Shaffelburg (forward, groin/pelvis): Out until late March.
LAFC’s forward line is thinned, but core attackers like Denis Bouanga and Heung-Min Son remain available, with midfield depth from players like Timothy Tillman.
LD Alajuelense:
No major reported injuries for this match. Key players like Ronaldo Cisneros, Ronald Matarrita, and others from their Central American Cup success are expected to feature. Minor concerns (e.g., Jeison Lucumí – leg, Guillermo Villalobos – muscular) from recent weeks appear resolved or non-impacting for this fixture.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
This pits MLS star power against Costa Rican resilience. Key battles include:
- Denis Bouanga / Heung-Min Son (LAFC, forwards) vs Alajuelense backline (e.g., central defenders): Bouanga’s pace and Son’s finishing could exploit any defensive lapses; Alajuelense’s organized unit will aim to contain counters.
- Timothy Tillman (LAFC, midfielder) vs Alajuelense midfield (e.g., key anchors): Tillman’s control will test Alajuelense’s pressing; LAFC needs dominance here.
- Ronaldo Cisneros (Alajuelense, forward) vs LAFC defenders (e.g., center-backs): Cisneros’ hold-up play and threat on set pieces vs LAFC’s injury-hit backline could create opportunities.
- Ronald Matarrita (Alajuelense, defender/winger) vs LAFC wingers: Matarrita’s experience on the left could neutralize wide threats.
Recent Team Forms
Los Angeles FC (Last 5 Matches Across All Comps):
- W 1-0 vs FC Dallas (MLS)
- Strong wins in prior games, including 7-1 aggregate in Round One.
Form: W-W-W-W-W (Unbeaten; high-scoring in CONCACAF, clean sheets emerging domestically).
LD Alajuelense (Last 5 Matches Across All Comps):
- Recent domestic wins (e.g., 2-0 vs Cartaginés).
- Solid in Central American competitions leading into bye.
Form: W-W (Consistent; defensive solidity with attacking threats from key imports).
Series History
The teams met in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16:
- First Leg: LD Alajuelense 0-3 LAFC
- Second Leg: LAFC 1-2 LD Alajuelense
(LAFC advanced 4-2 on aggregate). LAFC unbeaten in the series (1 win, 1 loss but aggregate victory). Goals: LAFC 4, Alajuelense 2. Expect a competitive but LAFC-favored dynamic at home.
Betting Trends
- LAFC dominant at home (unbeaten in recent CONCACAF home games); over 2.5 goals in 70% of their recent matches.
- Alajuelense solid defensively but struggled against MLS sides historically (conceded heavily in 2023 tie).
- First legs often see home teams push; LAFC games feature high xG at BMO Stadium.
- Trends lean heavy on LAFC ML and overs; clean sheet for LAFC popular due to Alajuelense’s road challenges.
MATCH ODDS
LD Alajuelense + 1000
Los Angeles Football Club – 380
Draw + 500
Over 3.5 + 140 Under 3.5 – 180
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, March 16, 2026
