What is Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual competition that pits MLS soccer clubs against Liga MX franchises in matches sanctioned by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf).
The tournament, now in its fourth year, pits 18 MLS clubs against all 18 Liga MX franchises in the opening round.
Who’s participating?
In addition to SDFC, notable MLS franchises participating this year include Los Angeles FC (its local rival), Inter Miami CF (with arguably the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi), Seattle Sounders FC (champion in 2025), Nashville SC (best record so far in MLS) and Vancouver Whitecaps (leader of the MLS Western Conference standings).
How does it work?
The tournament is divided into two phases: Phase One (through August 13) consists of 54 MLS vs. Liga MX matchups in a round-robin format. If SDFC earns enough points with its initial three matches, the club advances to the knockout rounds.
The knockout rounds, from August 25-September 6, are a single-elimination bracket beginning with the quarterfinals and culminating in the Leagues Cup Final.
Leagues Cup uses a no-ties format to ensure a winner in every match. Three points are awarded for a regulation time win and two points for a penalty shootout win if the game is tied after regulation. One point goes to the loser of a penalty shootout.
