The 2026 Leagues Cup schedule is set, with the MLS vs Liga MX tournament running August 4 to September 6, 2026. All 18 Liga MX clubs and 18 qualified MLS clubs meet in a Phase One league stage before a knockout round that ends with the Final on September 6. This page has the full 2026 Leagues Cup schedule, format, key dates, and how to watch, and links to the printable bracket.
2026 Leagues Cup Schedule: Quick Facts
Last updated: July 10, 2026
- Dates: August 4 to September 6, 2026
- Teams: 36 clubs (18 MLS and all 18 Liga MX)
- Phase One: August 4-12, 54 cross-border matches (each team plays 3, all MLS vs Liga MX)
- Knockout: top 4 from each league; QF Aug 25-27, SF Sep 1-2
- Final and Third Place: Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Where to watch: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass) plus select TV partners
2026 Leagues Cup Schedule: Key Dates
The tournament runs across roughly five weeks. Kickoff times and full fixtures are confirmed by the league; the key stage dates are below.
| Date | Stage | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Aug 4 | Phase One begins (54 cross-border matches) | US and Mexico |
| Aug 4-12 | Phase One (each team plays 3 games vs the other league) | US and Mexico |
| Aug 25-27 | Quarterfinals | TBD |
| Sep 1-2 | Semifinals | TBD |
| Sun, Sep 6 | Third Place and Final | TBD |
How the 2026 Leagues Cup Format Works
The 2026 Leagues Cup uses a Phase One league stage instead of small groups. From August 4 to August 12, each of the 36 clubs plays three matches, and every Phase One game is an MLS club against a Liga MX club, producing 54 cross-border fixtures. Standings are kept for each league, and the top four clubs from MLS and the top four from Liga MX advance to a single-elimination knockout round. The quarterfinals are August 25-27, the semifinals September 1-2, and the Final and Third-Place match close the tournament on September 6.
How to Watch the 2026 Leagues Cup
Every Leagues Cup match streams on Apple TV, included with an MLS Season Pass subscription, in more than 100 countries and regions. A selection of matches also airs on broadcast and cable partners. For a day-by-day viewing guide once games begin, see our Leagues Cup on TV page and the standings tracker linked below.
2026 Leagues Cup Schedule: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Leagues Cup?
The 2026 Leagues Cup runs from Tuesday, August 4 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. Phase One opens the tournament on August 4, and the Final and Third-Place match are on September 6.
What is the 2026 Leagues Cup format?
The tournament has 36 clubs split into a Phase One league stage and a knockout round. In Phase One (August 4-12) every team plays three cross-border games, all MLS vs Liga MX. The top four clubs from each league advance to the quarterfinals (August 25-27), semifinals (September 1-2), and the Final on September 6.
How many teams play in the 2026 Leagues Cup?
There are 36 clubs: all 18 Liga MX teams and 18 qualified MLS clubs. Phase One is played entirely as MLS vs Liga MX matchups, with some games hosted at Liga MX stadiums in Mexico.
How can I watch the 2026 Leagues Cup?
Leagues Cup is available on Apple TV, included with an MLS Season Pass subscription, in more than 100 countries and regions. Select matches also air on broadcast and cable television partners.
Where can I find the 2026 Leagues Cup bracket?
Our printable 2026 Leagues Cup bracket page has the full knockout bracket and a downloadable PDF. This page focuses on the schedule, format, and key dates; use the bracket page to follow and print the knockout draw.
More 2026 Soccer Coverage
- 2026 Leagues Cup Bracket: Printable Schedule and Knockout PDF
- 2026 Leagues Cup on TV: How to Watch and Streaming
- 2026-27 European Soccer Hub: Schedules and Standings
- 2026 MLS All-Star Game: Roster and Printable
- Printable Brackets: Free Tournament Bracket PDFs
Source: Leagues Cup official site.
