2022 Leagues Cup: MLS and Liga MX Teams Battle for Supremacy
The Leagues Cup, a competition between Major League Soccer and Liga MX teams, is set to begin with the Columbus Crew aiming to defend their title. This year's tournament features a new format with only 18 MLS and 18 Liga MX teams in separate groups. The competition will run from July 29 to August 31, with MLS league play pausing for Phase One and resuming on August 9.
As the MLS season enters its final stretch with teams having 10-13 games left, the Leagues Cup adds another layer of competition. Some teams, like Inter Miami, will be participating in their third cup competition of the season, which could pose challenges with fixture congestion. With only the top nine teams from each MLS conference qualifying for the tournament, the competition will be intense, and every match will be crucial for advancing to the knockout stages.
The exclusivity of the Leagues Cup, with only the top teams from each conference participating, adds to the competitiveness of the tournament. The top four teams from each table will advance to the quarterfinals, ensuring that every match will have high stakes and drama. Expansion team San Diego FC will make their Leagues Cup debut this season, adding a new dynamic to the competition.
Not every MLS team will be part of the Leagues Cup, as teams now need to qualify based on their league standings. The Vancouver Whitecaps' spot in the competition will be taken by San Diego FC due to their participation in other tournaments. The group stage matches will be played from July 29 to August 7, with all games available on MLS Season Pass.
After the group stage, the quarterfinal matchups will see MLS teams facing off against Liga MX teams. In case of teams being tied on points, tiebreakers will be applied to determine the standings. The Leagues Cup promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament, with teams vying for the title and showcasing the best of North American soccer.