Leagues Cup 2026

4 WEEKS. 3 COUNTRIES. 2 LEAGUES. 1 CHAMPION

Entering its fourth year, Leagues Cup represents a monumental new chapter for North American club soccer. Since 2023, Major League Soccer and LIGA MX have fueled the long-standing soccer rivalry between the three countries and its first division leagues to compete in this Concacaf-sanctioned summer cup, which qualifies the top three finishers for the Concacaf Champions Cup. 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.

For the 2026 edition, Leagues Cup has a new and enhanced format for the tournament, featuring 36 clubs from both leagues – all 18 LIGA MX teams and 18 qualifying MLS teams. Leagues Cup will be played in two rounds: Phase One, beginning August 4, and the Knockout Rounds, ending with the Leagues Cup Final on September 6.

Tuesday, August 4 – Tuesday, August 11

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.

Tuesday, August 25 – Thursday, August 27

Following the excitement of the Phase One Series, the single-elimination win-or-go-home Quarterfinals will be contested on Tuesday, August 25 and Thursday, August 27. Quarterfinal pairings are seeded based on Phase One performance and follow a fixed bracket structure.

Tuesday, September 1 – Wednesday, September 2

Following the excitement of the Quarterfinals Series, the single-elimination win-or-go-home Semifinals will be contested on Tuesday, September 1 – Wednesday, September 2. All knockout matches are single elimination. If tied after regulation, matches proceed directly to a penalty shootout (no extra time).