The 2026 Leagues Cup: A Simple Guide to the Big Summer Soccer Tournament

What Is the Leagues Cup?

Imagine a giant summer party where the best soccer teams from the United States and Canada (Major League Soccer, or MLS) meet the best teams from Mexico (Liga MX) to play for a trophy. That’s the Leagues Cup!

Important Point: This is the second year the tournament has 36 teams total — 18 from MLS and all 18 from Liga MX. (12 MLS teams stay home this year.)

How Does It Work?

The tournament has two main parts:

1. Phase One (Group Stage)
   Every team plays three games against teams from the other league.
   Example: An MLS team plays three different Liga MX teams.

2. Knockout Rounds (August–September)
   The top 4 teams from MLS and top 4 from Liga MX advance.
   Then it’s single-elimination: lose once, you’re out — until one team lifts the trophy!

Bonus Prize: The champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher all earn spots in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup — a bigger tournament against clubs from all over North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Sports Illustrated’s Top 5 Contenders

Here are the five teams Sports Illustrated thinks have the best shot at winning it all, ranked from 5 to 1.

5. Philadelphia Union

Why they’re dangerous:

• Were dead last in MLS before the World Cup break.
• Since returning: 3 wins in 3 games under interim coach Ryan Richter.
• Two teenagers are leading the charge:
  • Cavan Sullivan (16) — a rising superstar
  • Neil Pierre (18) — another young phenom
• Veteran Kai Wagner is back from Europe and full of energy.

Phase One Opponents: Cruz Azul, Necaxa, Santos Laguna

4. Cruz Azul

Why they’re dangerous:

• Most consistent team in Mexico over the last two half-seasons (Clausura & Apertura 2025–26).
• Want to be the first Liga MX team to win the modern Leagues Cup (they won the 2019 "soft launch" version).
• Manager Joel Huiqui has them off to a hot start: 2 wins, 1 draw in the new Apertura.
• Just won their 10th Liga MX title (beat Pumas 2–1) + Campeón de Campeones (beat Toluca).
• Star playmaker José Paradela: 7 goals, 5 assists last season.

Phase One Opponents: Philadelphia Union, New York City FC, Chicago Fire

3. Chicago Fire

Why they’re dangerous:

• Robert Lewandowski — one of the world’s best strikers — just scored two goals in his home debut!
• First trophy hunt in 20 years.
• Coach Gregg Berhalter rebuilt the tactics around Lewandowski (like Messi at Inter Miami in 2023).
• Also have: Philip Zinkernagel (MLS All-Star) + Chris Brady (rock-solid goalkeeper).

Phase One Opponents: Necaxa, Santos Laguna, Cruz Azul

2. Vancouver Whitecaps

Why they’re dangerous:

• Lost U.S. national team star Sebastian Berhalter (traded to England), but still playing great.
• Easy-ish schedule in Phase One (though they travel to Mexico for Tigres UANL).
• Unlucky 1–1 draw vs LAFC — they outplayed the Western Conference champs for 90 minutes.
• Superstar duo Thomas Müller (German legend) + Ryan Gauld just started together and looked scary good.
• Big-game experience: Reached 2025 MLS Cup Final AND 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final.
• Rumored new signing coming soon to replace Berhalter.

Phase One Opponents: Atlante, FC Juárez, Tigres UANL

1. Inter Miami

Why they’re the favorite:

• Lionel Messi put them on the map in this tournament: won the first expanded edition (2023) with 10 goals, Golden Boot, and MVP.
• Lost last year’s final to Seattle — but won the 2025 MLS Cup instead.
• Messi + Rodrigo De Paul are back fresh off the 2026 World Cup final (Argentina lost, but they’re motivated).
• Casemiro (Brazilian legend) now shields the defense in midfield.
• Luis Suárez has 7 goals in 4 MLS games — he’s on fire.
• Get a kind draw: "some of Liga MX’s weaker sides" in Phase One.

Phase One Opponents: Atlético San Luis, CF Monterrey, Club Puebla

Quick Comparison Table

Summary

• The 2026 Leagues Cup kicks off this week with 36 teams (18 MLS + 18 Liga MX).
• Phase One: 3 cross-league games each. Top 4 per league advance to knockouts in Aug–Sep.
• Winner, runner-up, and 3rd place → 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
• Inter Miami (Messi!) is the clear favorite, but Vancouver, Chicago, Cruz Azul, and Philly all have real paths to the trophy.
• Watch for teen sensations (Sullivan, Pierre), legendary veterans (Messi, Lewandowski, Müller, Casemiro, Suárez), and coaching chess matches.

FAQ

Q: When does the 2026 Leagues Cup start?
A: It begins this week (late July 2026), with Phase One games running through early August. Knockout rounds follow through September.

Q: Why are only 18 MLS teams playing if there are 30 MLS clubs?
A: The tournament caps at 36 teams total. Since all 18 Liga MX teams participate, only 18 MLS spots are available. The other 12 MLS teams sit this one out.

Q: What happens if a game is tied after 90 minutes in Phase One?
A: In Phase One, ties stand — each team gets 1 point. In the knockout rounds, tied games go to penalty shootouts (no extra time).

Q: Has a Liga MX team ever won the modern Leagues Cup?
A: No. Cruz Azul won the 2019 "soft launch" version, but since the expanded format began in 2023, MLS teams have won both times (Inter Miami 2023, Seattle Sounders 2024). Cruz Azul wants to break that streak.

Q: Where can I watch the games?
A: In the U.S., games stream on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass). In Mexico, they’re on TUDN, ViX, and other broadcasters. Check local listings for your region.

Final Thought: Whether you’re Team Messi, Team Lewandowski, or rooting for the underdog kids in Philly — this tournament is where North American soccer bragging rights get settled. Grab a snack, pick a team, and enjoy the chaos!