CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP
When does the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup start?
The rivals in the first round of the new edition of the regional tournament are known, and there is a three month journey to the final.
Six Mexican clubs will vie for the title in the now-renamed Concacaf Champions Cup. In its expanded and revamped 2024 edition, the premier club tournament in the region will offer the last available slot for the 2025 Club World Cup, the first in history to feature 32 participants. The prize at stake is a highly appetising one.
Toluca, América, Chivas, Monterrey, and Tigres were drawn in Pot 2, determining the initial phase of their journey. Pachuca, as the champion of the Liga MX with the highest points in the 2022/23 season, gained direct entry to the round of 16, alongside Robinhood from Suriname, Alajuelense from Costa Rica, Columbus Crew, and Inter Miami from the MLS. Lionel Messi’s Florida-based team has an interesting road ahead.
In the first round of the new CONCACAF Champions League, Mexican involvement sees Toluca face Herediano; América take on Real Estelí from Nicaragua; Chivas go up against the Canadian Forge; Tigres face the Vancouver Whitecaps; and the Rayados from Monterrey will battle with Guatemalan side Comunicaciones.
The draw took place on Wednesday evening.
Round one:
- Philadelphia Union (USA) vs Deportivo Saprissa (CRC)
- Deportivo Toluca (MEX) vs CS Herediano (CRC)
- Club America (MEX) vs Real Estelí FC (NCA)
- CD Guadalajara (MEX) vs Forge FC (CAN)
- New England Revolution (USA) vs CA Independiente (PAN)
- Houston Dynamo FC (USA) vs St. Louis CITY SC (USA)
- Tigres UANL (MEX) vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC (CAN)
- Orlando City SC (USA) vs Cavalry FC (CAN)
- CF Monterrey (MEX) vs Comunicaciones FC (GUA)
- FC Cincinnati (USA) vs Cavalier FC (JAM)
- Nashville SC (USA) vs Moca FC (DOM)
All ties will be two-legged affairs, with the aggregate score determining the winner, and the away goals rule not in effect. Penalties may be required to decide a tie.
Second round:
- CF Pachuca (MEX) vs W1
- SV Robinhood (SUR) vs W2
- W3 vs W4
- LD Alajuelense (CRC) vs W5
- Columbus Crew (USA) vs W6
- W7 vs W8
- W9 vs W10
- Inter Miami CF (USA) vs W11
What are the dates for the CONCACAF Champions Cup?
The 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup is scheduled to commence with round one in February, featuring eleven home-and-away series played across multiple weeks. The subsequent rounds, including the round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the single-leg final, will unfold in March, April, and culminate on Sunday 2 June.
2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup schedule:
- Round One: February 6-8 (Week 1), 13-15 (Week 2), 20-22 (Week 3), and 27-29 (Week 4)
- Round of 16: March 5-7 (First Legs) and 12-14 (Second Legs)
- Quarterfinals: April 2-4 (First Legs) and 9-11 (Second Legs)
- Semifinals: April 23-25 (First Legs) and April 30 - May 2 (Second Legs)
- Final: June 2 (Single Leg)
How has the competition changed?
The CONCACAF Champions Cup has undergone significant changes for the 2024 edition, transitioning from the previous CONCACAF Champions League. The rebranding to ‘Champions Cup’ reflects the rich history of the tournament, with 30 different clubs having won the title since its inception in 1962.
The tournament has expanded from four to five rounds, involving 27 clubs (up from 16). The knockout stage format remains, with round one, round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals featuring home-and-away play. The final, determining the region’s champion, will be a single-leg match held on a weekend date.
Which teams are involved in the CONCACAF Champions Cup?
The 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup’s 27 best clubs are divided into three regions: North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The qualification process is region-specific, with 22 clubs entering at round one and five receiving byes to the round of 16.
Clubs qualify through three regional cups (Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Central American Cup, and CONCACAF Caribbean Cup) played in the summer and fall of each year, along with domestic leagues and cups.