The highly anticipated Leagues Cup is back for 2024, promising an exciting tournament that showcases the best of both Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX. This year, the competition will run from July 26 to August 25, featuring all 47 teams from both leagues. Fans are eager to see if Inter Miami CF, led by global superstar Lionel Messi, can defend their title amidst fierce cross-border rivalries.
As the tournament unfolds, it will pause domestic league play, allowing teams to compete in a format reminiscent of the World Cup. For those unable to attend matches in person, all games will be available for streaming via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ensuring fans can keep up with the action from anywhere.
Leagues Cup Structure and Schedule
The Leagues Cup will feature a well-organized structure, starting with the Group Stage from July 26 to August 6. Following this, the tournament will progress through the knockout rounds, culminating in the final on August 25.
- Group Stage: July 26 – August 6
- Round of 32: August 7-9
- Round of 16: August 12-13
- Quarterfinals: August 16-17
- Semifinals: August 20 or 21
- Third Place Match: August 25
- Final: August 25
What’s at Stake?
The stakes are high in the Leagues Cup. Not only does the winning team receive the prestigious Leagues Cup trophy—a unique design featuring two bowls representing LIGA MX and MLS—but they also earn substantial prize money and bragging rights. Furthermore, the two teams that reach the final will secure spots in the Concacaf Champions Cup, adding to the tournament’s allure.
Success in the Leagues Cup can pave the way for clubs to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, making this tournament a critical pathway for teams aspiring to achieve international recognition.
Group Stage Breakdown
The Group Stage will see teams divided into 15 groups of three, with two clubs receiving automatic byes into the Round of 32. The groups were determined based on a ranking system that evaluated each club’s performance over the last 34 regular-season matches of 2023.
Here’s a look at the groupings:
Eastern Conference Groups
- East 1: FC Cincinnati, New York City FC, Querétaro FC
- East 2: Orlando City SC, Atlético de San Luis, CF Montréal
- East 3: Tigres UANL, Puebla, Inter Miami CF
- East 4: Philadelphia Union, Charlotte FC, Cruz Azul
- East 5: New England Revolution, Nashville SC, Mazatlán FC
- East 6: Pachuca, New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC
- East 7: Atlanta United, Santos Laguna, D.C. United
Western Conference Groups
- West 1: CF Monterrey, Pumas UNAM, Austin FC
- West 2: Chivas de Guadalajara, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy
- West 3: St. Louis CITY SC, FC Dallas, FC Juárez
- West 4: Toluca FC, Sporting Kansas City, Chicago Fire FC
- West 5: Club León, Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids
- West 6: Seattle Sounders FC, Minnesota United FC, Club Necaxa
- West 7: LAFC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Club Tijuana
- West 8: Houston Dynamo FC, Real Salt Lake, Atlas FC
Format and Match Details
The Leagues Cup employs a World Cup-style format, ensuring that every team plays at least two matches. The tournament is divided into two main brackets: East and West. In total, 77 matches will be played across various venues in the United States and Canada, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of both leagues.
This season, the champion of LIGA MX and the three highest-ranked LIGA MX clubs will enjoy hub privileges. This strategic decision aims to minimize travel for these teams, allowing them to play their matches in a centralized location, thereby enhancing their performance and fan experience.
With the excitement building as teams prepare for the Leagues Cup, fans can expect thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the pitch. As the tournament approaches, anticipation grows for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of soccer in North America.
