With kick-off just days away now, the anticipation continues to grow ahead of this year’s Leagues Cup, which sees all 47 teams from MLS and LIGA MX involved in a month-long tournament.
Games will be played in 28 venues in the United States and Canada, with 77 games across an initial Group Stage and then a knockout round to determine the winner. The action begins on July 21 with five matches - including Lionel Messi's likely debut for Inter Miami CF against Cruz Azul.
The past two tournaments were both won by Mexican teams - Cruz Azul at the inaugural edition in 2019, and Club León in 2021. Will LIGA MX domination continue, or can we see an MLS side lift the trophy this year?
And there’ll be more than just bragging rights on the line. Teams will also compete for spots in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the competition having been officially sanctioned by the continental soccer governing body.
Three teams can qualify for next year’s Champions Cup based on their Leagues Cup performance, and be one of the 27 participants in 2024.
The two finalists will automatically seal their spot in the continental competition, with the Leagues Cup Final winner even going straight on to the Round of 16. The beaten semi-finalists, meanwhile, will face off in the Third Place Match for the final ticket. Both games are due to be played on August 19.
The current holders of the CONCACAF Champions Cup are Club León, who will be looking to defend their title by clinching a spot in the competition through Leagues Cup play. They’ll first need to get past the West 3 group, which also features LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The other 2023 Champions Cup finalists, Los Angeles Football Club, are already one step ahead, given they start their Leagues Cup campaign from the Round of 32 by virtue of their 2022 MLS Cup victory.
