Leagues Cup to be hosted in Mexican stadiums for its fourth edition.
Officials of the Leagues Cup are in the process of finalizing arrangements for Mexico to host select matches in the forthcoming edition of the tournament, sources informed ESPN.
This interleague competition, which includes teams from MLS and Liga MX, was previously held solely in the United States and Canada. Now in its fourth season with an expanded format, the tournament will take place across the continent following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Phase One of the 2026 Leagues Cup is scheduled to commence on Aug. 4, featuring all 18 Mexican teams alongside 18 qualifying MLS clubs. The structure will resemble that of the 2025 Leagues Cup, with clubs competing in three matches to secure a place in the knockout stages.
All 54 matches in phase one will involve contests between Liga MX and MLS teams.
As per Leagues Cup regulations: “The top four clubs from each league’s standings will be assigned to a fixed bracket to compete in the single-elimination knockout rounds, starting with the quarterfinals and consisting solely of MLS vs. Liga MX matchups.”
Match pairings will be established based on each team’s performance during the initial round of the tournament. The upcoming edition of the Leagues Cup will uphold a no-draw format, meaning that any match that ends regulation time in a tie will proceed directly to penalties.
The final is set for Sept. 6, with the tournament champion and the next three top finishers earning a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Seattle Sounders FC claimed victory in the 2025 Leagues Cup, defeating Inter Miami CF in the final. Miami secured the 2023 Leagues Cup during Lionel Messi’s inaugural season with the club.
