About | Leagues Cup

3 COUNTRIES. 2 LEAGUES. 1 CHAMPION

AUGUST 4 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2026

Leagues Cup is an annual, Concacaf-sanctioned competition that brings together 36 clubs — all 18 LIGA MX teams and 18 qualified MLS clubs — in a fully interleague format. Now in its fourth year, the tournament builds on the momentum of a defining year for soccer across North America, deepens the regional rivalry, and awards qualification to Concacaf Champions Cup, with the top three teams securing qualifications spots and the Leagues Cup champion advancing directly to the Round of 16.

FORMAT AND COMPETITION STRUCTURE

Leagues Cup 2026 will feature 36 clubs — all 18 LIGA MX teams and 18 qualified MLS clubs. MLS clubs are ranked according to the final 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings, while LIGA MX clubs are ranked based on cumulative performance across the 2025 Apertura and Clausura tournaments.

The tournament is played in two phases:

• Phase One (August 4–13) — 54 MLS vs. LIGA MX matchups in a round-robin format
• Knockout Rounds (August 25–September 6) — a single-elimination bracket beginning with Quarterfinals and culminating in the Leagues Cup Final

Leagues Cup uses a no-ties format to ensure a winner in every match:

• 3 points for a regulation win
• 2 points for a penalty shootout win (after a tie)
• 1 point for a penalty shootout loss

PHASE ONE

Phase One delivers 54 MLS vs. LIGA MX matches over nine days of competition. Each club plays three matches against opponents from the opposite league.

Clubs are divided into two regions — Eastern and Western — with 18 teams each. Within each region, clubs are sorted into three tiers based on their Leagues Cup ranking:

• Tier 1: Teams ranked 1–3 from each league
• Tier 2: Teams ranked 4–6 from each league
• Tier 3: Teams ranked 7–9 from each league

The tiered regional structure ensures competitive balance and geographic alignment in Phase One.

Advancement is based on Phase One results (3 points for a regulation win, 2 for a shootout win, 1 for a shootout loss), with clubs competing within league-specific tables (MLS and LIGA MX) to reach the Knockout Rounds.

KNOCKOUT ROUNDS

The top four clubs from each league table (MLS and LIGA MX) advance directly to the Knockout Rounds. Quarterfinal pairings are seeded based on Phase One performance and follow a fixed bracket structure.

All knockout matches are single elimination. If tied after regulation, matches proceed directly to a penalty shootout (no extra time).

Quarterfinals: Schedule for August 25–27
Semifinals: Scheduled for September 1–2
Final & Third-Place Match: September 6

The tournament concludes with both the championship match and the Third-Place Match.

COMPETITIVE STAKES

Leagues Cup awards three qualification spots to the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup:

• Champion
• Runner-up
• Third-place finisher

The Leagues Cup Champion advances directly to the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup, putting clubs on the pathway toward broader international competitions.

HOW TO WATCH & ATTEND

SEE IT LIVE: Once tickets for Leagues Cup 2026 matches go on sale, fans can visit LeaguesCup.com/Tickets to secure their seats. MLS club season ticket holders should contact their club representative for more information.

WATCH FROM HOME: All Leagues Cup matches will be presented live to fans in over 100 countries and regions through the Apple TV app with no blackouts. Select matches are also airing on TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, TSN and RDS. Broadcast information, once available, will be available at LeaguesCup.com/Schedule.