Leagues Cup: The Premier Clash Between MLS and Liga MX
The Leagues Cup is an annual professional soccer competition that brings together the top clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada, and Liga MX in Mexico. Launched in 2019, the tournament serves as a high-stakes regional battle for supremacy in the North American Football Union (NAFU) region, blending two of the most prominent leagues in the Western Hemisphere.
Operating under the motto "New world. New game.", the competition has evolved from a small invitational event into a massive regional cup. It provides a critical pathway for clubs to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the premier club competition for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 2019
- Participating Leagues: Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX
- Region: Canada, Mexico, and the United States
- Current Champions: Seattle Sounders FC (2025)
- Primary Broadcaster: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
- Qualification: Top three teams qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Evolution and History
The concept of a bi-national competition was not new; MLS and Liga MX clubs previously competed in the North American SuperLiga from 2007 to 2010. However, the modern Leagues Cup was officially announced on May 29, 2019, to provide a regular competitive bridge between the two leagues and offer Liga MX clubs a suitable alternative to the Copa Libertadores.
The inaugural 2019 edition featured only eight teams in a single-elimination format, culminating in a final in Whitney, Nevada. While the tournament faced early criticism from some analysts and the MLS Players Association regarding schedule congestion, it continued to grow. After a cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of exhibition "Showcase" matches in 2022, the tournament underwent a massive expansion in 2023.
The 2023 expansion included all clubs from both leagues, turning the event into a month-long pause in their respective domestic seasons. This era saw the rise of global stars, most notably Lionel Messi, who led Inter Miami CF to the 2023 title.
Tournament Format and Scoring
The Leagues Cup has seen several iterations of its format to balance competitiveness and scheduling. In 2023 and 2024, the tournament utilized a group stage followed by a knockout bracket, involving 47 teams in total.
For the 2025 season, the format was refined to maximize inter-league matchups. The competition now features 36 teams: the 18 best-performing MLS clubs from the previous season and all 18 Liga MX clubs. Each team plays three games against opponents from the opposing league, with the top four from each league advancing to the knockout stage.
One of the most distinct features of the tournament is its unique points system:
- Win: 3 points
- Draw: Matches proceed immediately to a penalty shootout. The shootout winner earns 2 points, and the runner-up earns 1 point.
Broadcasting and the Trophy
Since 2023, the tournament has been integrated into the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, providing worldwide streaming with English, Spanish, and (for Canadian matches) French commentary. Select matches are also aired on linear networks such as FS1, Univision, TSN, and RDS.
The winners are awarded a silver bowl trophy weighing 22 pounds (10 kg), standing 16.5 inches tall. The champion keeps the original trophy for 12 months before receiving a replica.
Competition Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Titles | Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Inter Miami CF, León, Seattle Sounders FC (1 each) |
| All-Time Top Scorer | Denis Bouanga (13 goals) |
| Host Countries | Canada, United States |
| Qualification Prize | CONCACAF Champions Cup berths |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams have won the Leagues Cup?
Several clubs have claimed the title once: Cruz Azul (2019), León (2021), Inter Miami CF (2023), Columbus Crew (2024), and Seattle Sounders FC (2025).
How does the Leagues Cup help teams qualify for other tournaments?
The top three teams in the Leagues Cup qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The tournament champion receives a significant advantage with a bye directly to the round of 16.
What happens if a match ends in a draw during the group stage?
Unlike many soccer tournaments, draws are not permitted in the group stage. Matches go straight to a penalty shootout, where the winner receives two points and the loser receives one point.
Why was the tournament format changed in 2025?
The 2025 format was altered to increase the number of matches played between MLS and Liga MX teams and to comply with new competition guidelines limiting the number of cup competitions MLS teams can enter.
Who is the all-time leading goalscorer in the competition?
Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC is the all-time leading scorer with 13 goals, followed closely by Lionel Messi with 12 goals.