Liga MX venues set to stage first phase matches of the Leagues Cup in 2026.
The 2026 iteration of the Leagues Cup will feature Liga MX teams hosting phase one matches in Mexico for the first time since the tournament adopted its current format three years ago.
Phase one of the tournament is set to commence on Aug. 4, featuring 54 matches between the 18 participating Major League Soccer clubs and all Liga MX teams. The existing format will resemble that of the 2025 Leagues Cup, with clubs competing in three matches to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
As in the previous year, all 54 phase one matches will involve contests between Liga MX and MLS clubs.
Four phase one matches will take place in Mexico: the highest-ranked Club Toluca will host two matches, while Tigres UANL and Club América will each host one match.
Toluca will host the Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas at the Estadio Nemesio Díez for phase one games, while Club América will face San Diego FC at the Estadio Banorte and Tigres UANL will compete against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Estadio Universitario.
The first phase of the tournament will also feature Inter Miami CF going up against CF Monterrey, marking the first encounter for new Designated Player Germán Berterame against his former Liga MX club since his departure during the January transfer window.
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Teams that advance to the knockout stage will be matched with counterparts from the opposing league based on their performance in the first round. The upcoming Leagues Cup will continue with the no draws format, meaning any match that ends in a tie after regulation will proceed directly to penalties.
According to the rules of the Leagues Cup: “The top four clubs from each league’s standings will be placed in a fixed bracket to compete in the single-elimination knockout rounds starting with the quarterfinals, featuring only MLS vs. Liga MX matchups.”
The final is scheduled for Sept. 6, with the champions and the next three top finishers of the tournament earning a spot in the 2027 edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
