If you’re trying to figure out where to watch Houston Dynamo vs C.F. Pachuca, you’ve probably noticed that the landscape of soccer broadcasting feels like it changes every single week. One minute a game is on cable, the next it’s locked behind a subscription you didn’t know existed. It’s a mess. Honestly, I get it. But for this specific cross-border rivalry, the answers are actually pretty straightforward once you cut through the noise.
These two clubs have a history that goes way back to the SuperLiga days of the late 2000s. Since then, whether it's the CONCACAF Champions Cup or the newer Leagues Cup format, whenever the Dynamo face Los Tuzos, it’s more than just a friendly kickabout. There’s pride on the line between MLS and Liga MX.
Where to stream Houston Dynamo vs C.F. Pachuca right now
The reality of modern soccer is that Big Tech has basically taken over. For any match involving these two in the Leagues Cup, your primary destination is Apple TV. Specifically, you need the MLS Season Pass.
Starting in 2026, the partnership between Major League Soccer and Apple evolved slightly. While there used to be a very confusing distinction between what was "free" and what required a separate "Season Pass" subscription, Apple and MLS have streamlined things. If you are already an Apple TV+ subscriber, many of these high-profile international matchups are now bundled in, though the full Season Pass remains the only way to ensure you never miss a kickoff.
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Here is the thing: if you're a Dynamo season ticket holder, you usually get this for free. If you aren't, you can sign up for a monthly sub. It works on almost anything—Roku, Fire Stick, your iPhone, or even a web browser if you're stuck at work.
Traditional TV and cable options
Don't have a smart TV? Or maybe you just prefer the old-school reliability of a cable box. You aren't totally out of luck. For the big matches, FOX Sports often picks up the English-language rights. You’ll want to check the listings for FS1 or occasionally the main FOX local affiliate.
On the Spanish-language side, which—let’s be real—is often way more energetic for a game like this, TUDN and Univision are the heavy hitters. They frequently broadcast these Liga MX vs. MLS showdowns. If you have a digital antenna, you might even catch it for free on Univision depending on your local market.
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Watching from Mexico or abroad
If you’re trying to watch from Pachuca’s home turf or anywhere else in Mexico, the rights often shift. While Apple TV still holds the global Leagues Cup rights, ViX is the dominant force for C.F. Pachuca’s standard domestic matches. For these international tournaments, though, sticking with the Apple TV app is your safest bet for a high-def stream that won't cut out during a corner kick.
What to expect when these two meet
This isn't just another game. Pachuca is one of the oldest and most decorated clubs in Mexico. They play with a level of tactical sophistication that often catches MLS teams off guard. On the other side, Houston has spent the last few seasons reinventing themselves under Ben Olsen, moving away from being a "bottom-dweller" to a team that actually plays attractive, possession-based soccer.
- The Shell Energy Stadium Factor: When Pachuca comes to Houston, it doesn't always feel like a "home" game for the Dynamo. The Mexican diaspora in Texas is huge, and Tuzos fans show up in droves. The atmosphere is loud, orange, and blue.
- Tactical Grinds: Expect Pachuca to try and slow the game down and use their technical superiority in midfield. Houston will likely try to use the humidity and their speed on the wings to tire out the visitors.
Is there a free way to watch?
Kinda. But it's risky. You've probably seen those "free soccer stream" links on social media. Avoid them. They are usually three minutes behind, covered in pop-up ads, and half the time they're actually just a video of someone playing FIFA on Twitch.
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Instead, look for FuboTV or YouTube TV free trials. Since these services carry FS1 and Univision/TUDN, you can often sign up, watch the match, and then decide if you want to keep the service. Just remember to cancel before the seven days are up if you're just there for the 90 minutes of footy.
Essential matchday info
Before you settle in with your snacks, make sure you've checked the specific kickoff time. Remember that "7:30 PM" usually means the broadcast starts then, but the actual ball doesn't move until 7:42 PM. Soccer TV schedules are notoriously "flexible" like that.
- Check the App: Open the Apple TV app 15 minutes early to ensure your login still works. Nothing is worse than scrambling for a password while the game is on.
- Verify the Channel: If you're using cable, double-check if it's on FS1 or FS2. They switch them last minute sometimes if a baseball game goes into extra innings.
- Local Bars: If all else fails, Houston has dozens of dedicated "soccer bars" where the game will definitely be on. It's usually a better atmosphere anyway.
To make sure you're ready for the next whistle, double-check your Apple ID region settings if you're traveling, and consider a backup streaming option like ViX if you're looking for specifically Mexican-focused commentary.