Tournament format

The Leagues Cup is an annual Concacaf-sanctioned tournament that brings together the 18 Liga MX clubs and the 18 MLS clubs that qualify. In 2026, participation is based solely on the 2025 season results: the top nine from each MLS conference in the MLS Cup Playoffs earn a spot, leaving 12 teams out. Phase One, called Phase One, consists of 54 matches where each MLS club faces three Liga MX teams, but points are compared only among clubs of the same league to determine the top four from each side that advance to the knockout stage.

Quarterfinal schedule

  • Tuesday, August 25 at 8:30 p.m.: C.F. Monterrey vs. Chicago Fire FC, SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Ill. (Apple TV)
  • Tuesday, August 25 at 10:30 p.m.: Club León vs. Real Salt Lake, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo. (Apple TV)
  • Wednesday, August 26 at 8:30 p.m.: Toluca FC vs. Austin FC, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, N.J. (Apple TV, FS1, UniMas/TUDN)
  • Wednesday, August 26 at 10:45 p.m.: Club América vs. Columbus Crew, Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Calif. (Apple TV, FS1, UniMas/TUDN)

How it is played

In Phase One and in the knockout rounds, if the score is tied after 90 minutes, extra time is omitted and the match goes straight to penalties. Points are awarded as follows: regulation win = 3 points; shootout win = 2 points; shootout loss = 1 point; regulation loss = 0 points. This rule also applies in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

Rewards and prizes

The Leagues Cup champion receives a trophy and a direct bye to the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup, skipping the first round. The top three finishers automatically qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup. The champion, by winning the tournament, also opens the path to FIFA international competitions.

Key dates

  • Quarterfinals: August 25‑26
  • Semifinals: September 1‑2
  • Third‑place and final: Sunday, September 6

The Leagues Cup aims to strengthen the rivalry between MLS and Liga MX, giving teams an additional route to continental and potentially international competitions. With Monterrey’s participation in the quarterfinals, the Mexican club advances in a contest that blends Liga MX tradition with MLS’s growing competitiveness.