Leagues Cup 2026: Which MLS teams will compete?

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Major League Soccer

·16. Dezember 2025

Leagues Cup 2026: Which MLS teams will compete?

By MLSsoccer staff

Leagues Cup 2026 will feature 36 clubs competing from Major League Soccer and Mexico's top-flight LIGA MX.

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18 qualifying MLS clubs – the top nine teams from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference
All 18 LIGA MX teams

The fourth edition of the annual tournament between MLS and LIGA MX clubs begins with Phase One play on Aug. 4 and concludes with the Leagues Cup final on Sept. 6.

MLS clubs: Leagues Cup 2026

Austin FC
Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire FC
FC Cincinnati
Columbus Crew
FC Dallas
Inter Miami CF
LAFC
Minnesota United FC
Nashville SC
New York City FC
Orlando City
Philadelphia Union
Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake
San Diego FC
Seattle Sounders FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC

🗓️ 36 teams. 2 ligas. Only one will lift the trophy 🏆 These are the @mls and @LigaBBVAMX clubs that will fight next summer to become the best team in North America 🔥 #LeaguesCup2026 inicia el 4 de agosto.
– Dienstag, 16. Dezember 2025

Need to know

Concacaf Champions Cup

The top three finishers in Leagues Cup 2026 will qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The Leagues Cup champion earns a bye to the Round of 16.

Format

Leagues Cup 2026 will emphasize consistent inter-league play:

Phase One features 54 matches (three per club), all contested between MLS and LIGA MX clubs
Results from Phase One determine separate Leagues Cup standings for MLS and LIGA MX, with the top four clubs from each league advancing to the Knockout Rounds
Inter-league matchups are guaranteed through the Quarterfinals, ensuring MLS vs. LIGA MX competition at every stage leading into the Semifinals
The tournament concludes with the Semifinals, Third Place Match, and Leagues Cup Final

Held after World Cup

Staged immediately following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Leagues Cup will continue the momentum of a landmark year for the sport in North America and further cement the tournament’s position as a marquee competition in the global soccer calendar.

More info

Additional details regarding matchups, schedule, venues, ticketing and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.