2026 Concacaf Champions Cup: Road to International Glory

The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup will feature up to 10 MLS clubs competing in the continental tournament that takes place from February to May 2026. The champion of the tournament will earn a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Seattle has already qualified for the Round of 16 as the winners of the Leagues Cup 2025.

Teams can secure slots in the tournament through various competitions, including MLS (5 slots), the US Open Cup (1 slot), and the Canadian Championship (1 slot). Additionally, teams from the Caribbean, Central America, and the Canadian Premier League will also participate in the tournament. In total, 27 teams will compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup, with 22 starting in Round One and five receiving a bye to the Round of 16.

The tournament follows a direct elimination knockout stage format with five rounds: Round One, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final. The first four stages involve home and away matches, while the Final is a single-leg match. The draw for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, which will determine the bracket and each team's path to the final, will take place on December 9.

In conclusion, the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup will bring together top clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean to compete for a chance to represent the region in international competitions. With a mix of MLS teams and clubs from other leagues, the tournament promises exciting matchups and intense competition as teams vie for the prestigious title.