2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Kicks Off in February

December 11, 2025

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Concacaf Champions: Photo Credit: Concacaf.com

The 61st edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup is set to begin on February 3, 2026, featuring 27 teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean competing for the continental title and a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, a direct elimination knockout format, will culminate in a single-leg final on May 30, 2026.

Participating Teams

The 27 qualified clubs include representatives from Major League Soccer (MLS), Liga MX, the Canadian Premier League, and winners/finalists from the Central American and Caribbean Cups. Five teams have received a direct bye to the Round of 16 for their achievements in qualifying competitions.

MLS & Canada:

FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami CF (Round of 16 bye)
LAFC
LA Galaxy
Nashville SC
Philadelphia Union
San Diego FC
Seattle Sounders FC (Round of 16 bye)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Atlético Ottawa
Forge FC
Vancouver FC

Mexico:

Club América
Cruz Azul
CF Monterrey
Pumas UNAM
Tigres UANL
Deportivo Toluca FC (Round of 16 bye)

Central America & Caribbean:

LD Alajuelense (CRC) (Round of 16 bye)
CS Cartaginés (CRC)
Defence Force FC (TRI)
Mount Pleasant FA (JAM) (Round of 16 bye)
CD Olimpia (HON)
O&M FC (DOM)
Real CD España (HON)
Sporting San Miguelito (PAN)
CSD Xelajú MC (GUA)

LA Galaxy vs. Sporting SM: A Tale of Two Squads

The LA Galaxy are poised for their Round One matchup against Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito, with the highly anticipated return of Riqui Puig to a fully healthy squad expected to be a major boost. After a disappointing 2025 MLS regular season finish, the Galaxy qualified via a third-place finish in the Leagues Cup, and they will look to use this continental stage for a strong start to the new year. The team’s performance will largely depend on how quickly their stars can integrate and find rhythm, with the winner of this tie advancing to face Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant in the Round of 16.

LAFC vs. Real España: A Test for the Black and Gold

Los Angeles FC, another MLS representative, will kick off their campaign against Real España of Honduras, who qualified as 2025 Central American Cup semifinalists. LAFC secured their spot through the Supporters’ Shield standings and will be keen to add a Champions Cup title to their history after two previous runner-up finishes. This Round One clash is an important test of their early-season form, with the winner earning a date with Costa Rican side Alajuelense, the Central American Cup champions, in the next round.