2026 Concacaf Champions Cup: MLS Teams Ready to Challenge Liga MX Dominance
The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup is on the horizon, with teams from North and Central America vying for a spot in the prestigious continental competition. Major League Soccer (MLS) will be well-represented in the tournament, with 10 teams set to participate, aiming to break Liga MX's stronghold on the title.
Cruz Azul, the reigning champions, will return to defend their title after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 final. Vancouver, on the other hand, will be looking to improve on their previous performance in the competition and make a strong showing this time around.
Aside from the glory of winning the Concacaf Champions Cup, the victorious team will also secure a place in the 2029 Club World Cup. Six MLS teams have already secured their spots in the tournament, with four more spots still up for grabs. Seattle Sounders, winners of the 2025 Leagues Cup, will be among the teams competing, hoping to replicate their success in the upcoming tournament.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will be looking to go further than their semifinal exit in the previous edition. The LA Galaxy, current MLS champions, have also secured their place in the tournament, adding to the strong MLS representation.
Nashville SC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Philadelphia Union are among the other MLS teams that have qualified for the tournament through various competitions. The draw for the 61st edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup is set to take place on Dec. 9, 2025, with the action kicking off in February 2026.
The tournament will feature a total of 27 teams, with five teams receiving direct qualification to the round of 16. The remaining 22 teams will start their journey in the opening round, with a two-legged, single elimination format leading all the way to the final, scheduled for May 30, 2026. This final will be the last competitive match before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament.