Officials for the Leagues Cup are in the process of finalizing plans for Mexico to host select matches in the tournament’s upcoming edition, according to sources familiar with the situation, as reported by ESPN.
This interleague competition, featuring teams from MLS and Liga MX, was previously held exclusively in the United States and Canada. Now entering its fourth season in an expanded format, the tournament will see matches played across the continent following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first phase of the 2026 Leagues Cup is scheduled to begin on August 4, featuring all 18 Mexican clubs and 18 qualifying MLS teams. The tournament format will reflect the 2025 edition, with clubs competing in three matches to advance to the knockout rounds.
All 54 first-phase matches will be contested between Liga MX and MLS teams.
According to the Leagues Cup regulations: “The top four clubs from each league’s standings will be placed into a fixed bracket to compete in the elimination knockout rounds, starting with the quarterfinals, which will exclusively feature MLS versus Liga MX matchups.”
Match pairings will be determined by each team’s performance in the initial round. The upcoming Leagues Cup will continue its no-draw policy, meaning any match that ends in a tie after regulation will proceed directly to penalties.
The final is set for September 6, with the champion and the next three highest-placing teams earning spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Seattle Sounders FC claimed victory in the 2025 Leagues Cup by defeating Inter Miami CF in the final. Miami secured the 2023 Leagues Cup during Lionel Messi‘s inaugural season with the team.