2026 Leagues Cup Schedule: MLS vs. LIGA MX Tournament Preview and Format
The 2026 Leagues Cup schedule has been released, marking the start of the highly anticipated tournament between MLS and LIGA MX teams. The tournament will take place from August 4 to September 6, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches being held in Mexico for the first time. The top three ranked LIGA MX clubs will host four Phase One matches at their home stadium, while other games will be played at MLS venues, as seen in previous editions.
The tournament will feature 36 clubs, including all 18 LIGA MX teams and 18 qualified MLS clubs, competing in matches from August 4 to September 6. Phase One and Quarterfinal matches will feature LIGA MX vs. MLS matchups, intensifying the rivalry between the two leagues. The top three finishers of the tournament will qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the champion earning a direct spot in the Round of 16.
During Phase One, teams will play three matches against opponents from the rival league, with the top four clubs from each league table advancing to the Quarterfinals. The tournament will maintain a "No Ties" format, with penalty shootouts used to determine the winner in case of a tie. Teams will earn points for different outcomes, with tiebreakers like goal differential potentially coming into play.
To progress to the Knockout Rounds, teams must finish in the top four of their league table, with tiebreakers considered if needed. In the Knockout Rounds, if teams are tied after regulation time, a penalty shootout will decide the winner. The Phase One matches are determined by the Leagues Cup Rankings and region, with MLS clubs ranked based on the 2025 MLS Supporters' Shield standings and LIGA MX clubs based on their performance in the Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2025 tournaments.
Since the revamped Leagues Cup began in 2023, an MLS team has emerged as the champion in each edition, showcasing the competitiveness and quality of the league. Fans can catch all the action on Apple TV, with select games also available on broadcast and cable television partners. The stage is set for an exciting and intense tournament that will showcase the best of MLS and LIGA MX.