MLS dominance faces new test in Leagues Cup shake-up
A long-standing complaint may finally be addressed as the cross-border competition adjusts its format.
Leagues Cup pits the 18 Liga MX teams against 18 MLS clubs in a competition that, so far, has been marked by clear U.S. dominance. However, for the 2025 edition, matchups are expected to be split between Mexico and the United States.
In previous editions, every game in the tournament was played on U.S. soil. Beginning in 2026, though, several games are expected to take place in Mexico, similar to the format used in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The key difference is that only a handful of matches will be staged south of the border, according to information first reported by Lizzy Becherano of ESPN USA.
Toluca is set to host its games at home, while Tigres or Rayados and Club América are the other teams expected to play in their own stadiums. Five matches have been allocated to Mexican clubs under preliminary reports, a shift from previous editions in which both domestic leagues paused for a month to accommodate the tournament.
One of the most common complaints from Liga MX clubs and players centered on the imbalance they faced, with most MLS opponents avoiding travel and hosting their games at home.
Since Leagues Cup received official recognition from CONCACAF, U.S. clubs have held the upper hand. Inter Miami, Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders have claimed the expanded titles since 2023, while Monterrey is the only Liga MX side to have reached a third-place game. The dynamic could change in 2026, however, with MLS teams traveling to Mexico and Liga MX representatives finally enjoying home-field advantage.
When will Leagues Cup 2026 be played?
The tournament will kick off on August 4, featuring the top 18 clubs from MLS and the 18 from Liga MX. It will use a league-style format, with teams advancing to the knockout rounds based on performance. All games will be played between clubs from the two different leagues.
As in previous editions, there will be no draws. Matches level after regulation will be decided by penalty shootouts.
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