The 2026 Leagues Cup bracket is set for another MLS vs. LIGA MX showdown, running August 4 to September 6, 2026. All 36 clubs play a Phase One group stage, then the top four from each league meet in a single-elimination knockout bracket. Grab the free printable bracket below and follow every round to the September 6 final.
Quick Facts
- Event: 2026 Leagues Cup (MLS vs. LIGA MX)
- Teams: 36 clubs (18 MLS, 18 LIGA MX)
- Dates: August 4 – September 6, 2026
- Format: Phase One group stage, then an 8-team knockout bracket
- Final & third-place match: September 6, 2026
- US TV: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
Free printable Leagues Cup bracket
Print the knockout bracket and fill it in as Phase One decides the eight qualifiers. It shows the fixed quarterfinal seeding, the semifinals, the final, and the third-place match, with room to write in teams and scores.
How the 2026 Leagues Cup works
Phase One runs August 4-13. The 36 clubs are split into Eastern and Western regions of 18, and within each region they are seeded into tiers. Each club plays three matches against clubs from the opposite league. There are no draws: a regulation win is worth three points, a penalty-shootout win two, and a penalty-shootout loss one. The top four clubs from the MLS table and the top four from the LIGA MX table advance to the knockout rounds.
2026 Leagues Cup bracket: quarterfinal seeding
The knockout bracket uses a fixed, cross-league seeding based on Phase One finish. Every knockout match is single elimination, going straight to penalties if tied.
| Quarterfinal | Matchup |
|---|---|
| QF1 | MLS 1 vs. LIGA MX 4 |
| QF2 | MLS 2 vs. LIGA MX 3 |
| QF3 | MLS 3 vs. LIGA MX 2 |
| QF4 | MLS 4 vs. LIGA MX 1 |
2026 Leagues Cup schedule: key dates
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| August 4-13, 2026 | Phase One (54 MLS vs. LIGA MX matches) |
| August 25-27, 2026 | Quarterfinals |
| September 1-2, 2026 | Semifinals |
| September 6, 2026 | Final and third-place match |
How to watch the Leagues Cup in the US
Every Leagues Cup match streams on Apple TV through MLS Season Pass. For more soccer, see our 2026-27 European Soccer Hub.
More MLS vs Liga MX: the two leagues also meet in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29 in Charlotte. See the confirmed roster and grab the free printable lineup card.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Leagues Cup?
August 4 to September 6, 2026. Phase One runs August 4-13, with the knockout quarterfinals August 25-27, semifinals September 1-2, and the final September 6.
How does the 2026 Leagues Cup bracket work?
The top four clubs from the MLS table and the top four from the LIGA MX table advance to an eight-team, single-elimination bracket. Quarterfinals are seeded MLS 1 vs. LIGA MX 4, MLS 2 vs. LIGA MX 3, MLS 3 vs. LIGA MX 2, and MLS 4 vs. LIGA MX 1.
How can I watch the Leagues Cup in the US?
Every match streams on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass.
Official schedule and results: Leagues Cup.
