The 2026 Leagues Cup will once again take center stage in North American soccer in August, when Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX will temporarily suspend their schedules to host the tournament that brings together clubs from both leagues.
After a summer marked by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the region’s soccer calendar enters a new phase with a tournament that continues to gain prominence within CONCACAF and that, in addition to the title, will award spots in international competitions. The sixth edition of the Leagues Cup will be held from August 4 to September 6, 2026, during which time Mexican and U.S. teams will focus all their efforts on the binational championship.
When will the MLS and Liga MX take a break?
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In the case of Liga MX, the 2026 Apertura tournament will take a break after the first three matchdays have been played.
Starting on August 4, Mexican clubs will begin competing in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
However, this edition differs significantly from previous years.
Teams that are eliminated during the initial phase will be able to quickly rejoin the local tournament.
Since Matchdays 4 and 5 of the Apertura are scheduled to take place between August 15 and 17.
Preventing them from going several weeks without any official activity.
For its part, the MLS will also adjust its schedule.
After resuming the season following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup and hosting the traditional MLS All-Star Game, the U.S. league will scale back its activities to prioritize the binational tournament.
Here’s how the 2026 Leagues Cup will be played
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The 2026 edition of the Leagues Cup will feature 36 teams representing the MLS and Liga MX.
The first phase will be played from August 4 to 13, with a total of 54 matches between clubs from both leagues.
Afterward, the top-ranked teams will advance to the knockout round, which will begin on August 25 and conclude with the grand final on September 6.
The sixth edition will take place from August 4th to September 6th
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The tournament will introduce a historic first
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One of the main innovations of the 2026 Leagues Cup will be that, for the first time, some of the preliminary-round matches will be played in Mexico.
In accordance with the format established for this edition, Toluca, Tigres, and América will play as the home team based on their previous performance.
A decision that aims to create a more balanced competitive environment between the two leagues and address one of the main requests made by Mexican clubs in previous seasons.
Much More Than Just a Friendly Tournament
In addition to the prestige that comes with winning this tournament, the championship will feature a highly significant prize.
The top teams in the 2026 Leagues Cup will earn three spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
A competition that represents the next step toward the international stage for North American clubs.
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