Leagues Cup Set to Feature Matches in Mexico for Upcoming Edition

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Leagues Cup Set to Feature Matches in Mexico for Upcoming Edition

Tournament Expands Hosting to Include Mexican Venues Following 2026 FIFA World Cup

In a significant development poised to reshape the landscape of North American club soccer, sources close to ESPN have revealed that officials overseeing the Leagues Cup are finalizing arrangements to bring the tournament to Mexican soil. This strategic decision marks a pivotal moment for the competition, which brings together clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico's Liga MX. Historically, the tournament has been exclusively hosted in the United States and Canada since its inception.

The upcoming edition of the Leagues Cup, now entering its fourth season with an expanded format, is set to embrace a continental approach to its hosting duties. This shift in strategy will occur in the post-2026 FIFA World Cup era, a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The decision to include Mexican venues not only broadens the tournament's geographical footprint but also acknowledges the passionate fanbase and high level of competition present in Mexico.

Phase One of the 2026 Leagues Cup is scheduled to commence on August 4th. This initial phase will feature all 18 Liga MX clubs alongside 18 qualifying MLS teams. The format is designed to mirror the successful structure of the 2025 edition, wherein clubs will participate in three group stage matches. The primary objective for each team during this phase will be to accumulate enough points to advance to the subsequent knockout rounds. In total, 54 matches are slated for this opening phase, ensuring ample opportunity for cross-league rivalries to develop.

The structure of the knockout stage, as outlined by Leagues Cup rules, is designed to foster intense competition. The top four clubs from each league's regular season standings will be seeded into a fixed bracket. This bracket will govern the single-elimination knockout rounds, which will begin with the quarterfinals. A key feature of this stage is that all matchups will be strictly between MLS and Liga MX clubs, maintaining the core identity of the tournament.

Determining the specific pairings for the knockout rounds will be based on each team's performance throughout the initial group stage. This merit-based system ensures that teams earning their spot through strong performances in the first round will be rewarded with potentially more favorable matchups, while still facing significant challenges. The upcoming edition will continue to enforce the popular 'no draws' policy. Any match that concludes regulation time with a tied score will proceed directly to a penalty shootout, adding an element of drama and decisive resolution to every encounter.

The climax of the tournament, the final match, is slated to be played on September 6th. Beyond the coveted trophy, significant stakes are attached to the final standings. The champion, along with the additional top three finishers, will secure qualification berths for the prestigious 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. This direct pathway to the premier continental club competition underscores the growing importance and competitive level of the Leagues Cup within the Concacaf region.

Reflecting on recent history, the Seattle Sounders FC emerged as the champions of the 2025 Leagues Cup, defeating Inter Miami CF in a hard-fought final. The 2023 edition holds particular significance, marking Lionel Messi's debut season with Inter Miami CF, a period that generated immense global attention and excitement around the tournament.

The inclusion of Mexican venues is a strategic move that acknowledges the immense popularity and competitive strength of Liga MX. It also taps into the substantial fanbase in Mexico, promising larger crowds and a more electric atmosphere for the matches hosted there. This expansion is expected to enhance broadcast viewership, generate increased sponsorship opportunities, and further solidify the commercial appeal of the Leagues Cup across North America.

Furthermore, this continental expansion aligns with the broader vision of fostering stronger sporting ties between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, especially in the lead-up to their joint hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By creating more shared experiences and competitive platforms, the Leagues Cup can contribute to the overall growth and development of soccer in the region, preparing it for the global spotlight in 2026 and beyond.

Ekhbary News Agency