The 2026 Leagues Cup groups are set ahead of the latest edition of the annual tournament.
Phase One of the competition begins on August 4 with 54 phase one matches set to take place between 18 MLS and Liga MX clubs. The current format will mirror last year’s edition of Leagues Cup, with clubs competing in three matches to try and qualify for the knockout rounds.
This year will feature a change as Liga MX clubs will host phase one matches for the first time since the modern-day format debuted three years ago. Mexican side Toluca will host two phase one matches, while Tigres and Club America host one match apiece.
Clubs that advance to the knockout stage will be paired with teams of the opposing league based on first round performances. Any match that concludes after regulation with a tied scoreline will go directly to penalties, following the 2025 format.
Following Phase One, the top four clubs from each league will advance to the quarterfinals (August 25-27), before winners of those matchups will move on to the semifinals (September 1-2).
Knockout round venue assignments will be determined at a later date.
The final is set to be played on September 6, with the tournament champions and additional top-three finishers earning a berth into the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Here is a breakdown of each MLS club’s matchups for Phase One:
Eastern 1
- FC Cincinnati: vs. Pumas, vs. Pachuca, vs. Atlas.
- Columbus Crew: vs. Atlas, vs. Pumas, vs. Pachuca
- Charlotte FC: vs. Pachuca, vs. Atlata, vs. Pumas
Eastern 2
- Inter Miami: vs. Monterrey, vs. Club Leon, vs. Atletico San Luis
- Nashville SC: vs. Club Leon, vs. Atletico San Luis, vs. Monterrey
- Orlando City: vs. Atletico San Luis, vs. Monterrey, vs. Club Leon
Eastern 3
- Philadelphia Union: vs. Cruz Azul, vs. Necaxa, vs. Santos Laguna
- NYCFC: vs. Necaxa, vs. Santos Laguna, vs. Cruz Azul
- Chicago Fire: vs. Santos Laguna, vs. vs. Cruz Azul, vs. Necaxa.
Western 1
- Vancouver Whitecaps: vs. Mazatlan, vs. FC Juarez, at Tigres.
- Minnesota United: vs. Tigres, vs. Mazatlan, vs. FC Juarez
- Real Salt Lake: vs. FC Juarez, vs. Tigres, vs. Mazatlan
Western 2
- LAFC: vs. Toluca, vs. Chivas, vs. Queretaro
- Seattle Sounders: vs. Chivas, vs. Queretaro, at Toluca
- FC Dallas: vs. Queretaro, at Toluca, vs. Chivas
Western 3
- San Diego FC: at Club America, vs. Club Tijuana, vs. Puebla
- Austin FC: vs. Club Tijuana, vs. Puebla, vs. Club America
- Portland Timbers: vs. Puebla, vs. Club America, vs. Club Tijuana