2026 Leagues Cup Explainer: What You Need to Know

Understanding the 2026 Leagues Cup

The 2026 Leagues Cup is gearing up to be an exciting tournament featuring 36 teams, split equally between Liga MX and Major League Soccer (MLS). Scheduled to kick off on August 4 and culminating with the final match on September 6, this year’s edition will highlight matches played in Mexico for the first time since 2019.

Format of the Tournament

This year’s Leagues Cup adopts a split-table format which separates the MLS teams and Liga MX teams into their respective tables, leading into knockout rounds. This marks a significant shift from previous tournaments where every club participated. Due to scheduling conflicts with other competitions such as the U.S. Open Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup, 12 MLS teams will not be competing this year.

The Teams Participating

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
• Philadelphia Union
• Portland Timbers
• Real Salt Lake
• San Diego FC
• Seattle Sounders FC
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Liga MX Clubs:

• Atlas FC
• Atlante FC
• Atlético San Luis
• Club América
• Chivas de Guadalajara
• Cruz Azul
• FC Juárez
• Club Léon
• CF Monterrey
• Club Necaxa
• CF Pachuca
• Club Puebla
• Pumas UNAM
• Club Querétaro
• Tigres UANL
• Club Tijuana
• Toluca FC
• Santos Laguna

Schedule of Events

The tournament will unfold in multiple phases:

• Phase One: August 4 - August 7
• Quarterfinals: TBD
• Semifinals: TBD
• Final and Third Place Match: September 6

How Does it Work?

In the inaugural phase, teams from both leagues will face each other in a series of matches. Each matchup awards traditional points based on outcomes: three points for a win and potential for earning points through penalty shootouts if matches are drawn at full time. The top four teams from each league table will then advance to the knockout rounds, ensuring that MLS teams do not meet until the semifinals. The tournament also offers three qualification spots for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, including direct advancement for the tournament champion.

Highlights and Changes This Year

One of the most notable changes in the 2026 tournament is the return of matches being held in Mexico, allowing Liga MX clubs to host significant fixtures. Some key matchups include:

• Aug. 5, 2026: Deportivo Toluca vs. Seattle Sounders at Estadio Nemesio Díez, Toluca, Mexico
• Aug. 11, 2026: Tigres UANL vs. Vancouver Whitecaps at Estadio Universitario, Nuevo León, Mexico
• Aug. 12, 2026: Deportivo Toluca vs. FC Dallas at Estadio Nemesio Díez, Toluca, Mexico
• TBD: Club América vs. San Diego FC at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Recent History

The 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup was highly dramatic, with the Seattle Sounders securing their first title in a decisive 3-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, amidst a record crowd.
This year, notable absences will include Luis Suárez, who will miss the tournament due to a suspension stemming from altercations after the last final. This adds another layer of intrigue as fans anticipate how the competition will unfold without one of its star players.

Conclusion

The 2026 Leagues Cup promises to deliver thrilling matches and a platform for teams from both leagues to showcase their talents. With its unique format and expanded Mexico-hosted matches, this tournament is set to captivate soccer fans across North America.