Leagues Cup 2026 Unveils Clubs and Dates: August 4 to September 6

The Leagues Cup 2026 is set to take place from August 4 to September 6, 2026. This tournament features 36 clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX. It follows the historic FIFA World Cup 2026, showcasing the growth of soccer in North America.

Overview of Leagues Cup 2026

Sanctioned by Concacaf, Leagues Cup 2026 will include 18 teams from each league, highlighting the best talent from both MLS and LIGA MX. The tournament aims to maintain the excitement generated by the World Cup.

Participating Clubs

• LIGA MX Clubs:
  • Atlas FC
  • Club América
  • Atlético de San Luis
  • Club Guadalajara
  • Cruz Azul
  • FC Juárez
  • Club León
  • Mazatlán FC
  • CF Monterrey
  • Club Necaxa
  • CF Pachuca
  • Club Puebla
  • Pumas UNAM
  • Club Querétaro
  • Santos Laguna
  • Tigres UANL
  • Club Tijuana
  • Toluca FC
• MLS Clubs:
  • Austin FC
  • Charlotte FC
  • Chicago Fire FC
  • FC Cincinnati
  • Columbus Crew
  • FC Dallas
  • Inter Miami CF
  • LAFC
  • Minnesota United FC
  • Nashville SC
  • New York City FC
  • Orlando City SC
  • Philadelphia Union
  • Portland Timbers
  • Real Salt Lake
  • San Diego FC
  • Seattle Sounders FC
  • Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Competition Format

The structure of Leagues Cup 2026 mirrors the successful format introduced in 2025. The tournament consists of two phases:

• Phase One:
  • 54 matches between MLS and LIGA MX teams.
  • Top four clubs from each league advance based on performance.
• Knockout Rounds:
  • Interleague matchups guaranteed through to the Quarterfinals.
  • The tournament culminates in Semifinals, a Third Place Match, and the Final.

Qualification for Concacaf Champions Cup

Leagues Cup 2026 will also serve as a pathway to the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The top three finishers will qualify, with the tournament champion earning direct access to the Round of 16.

History of Leagues Cup

Since its inception in 2023, Leagues Cup has established itself as a premier competition in the region. Past champions include:

• Inter Miami CF (2023)
• Columbus Crew (2024)
• Seattle Sounders FC (2025)

Fans looking to follow the tournament can expect further details on matchups, venues, and ticketing to be released soon. Leagues Cup continues to bring fans together across different countries, showcasing the best of North American soccer.