What is the MLS Leagues Cup? History, format, financial rewards, and key facts

The Leagues Cup is an annual soccer competition that brings together clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. It has quickly become one of the most exciting cross-border tournaments in North American football, showcasing top teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In this article, fscores net explores the history of the Leagues Cup, its competition format, financial rewards, and some fascinating facts you should know.

What is the MLS Leagues Cup? History, format, financial rewards, and key facts

History of the Leagues Cup

The Leagues Cup was officially launched in 2019 as part of a growing partnership between MLS and Liga MX. The idea behind the tournament was to strengthen competition between the two leagues and increase the popularity of soccer across North America.

The inaugural edition in 2019 featured only eight teams, with four clubs from each league. It was seen as an experimental tournament, but its success paved the way for expansion. However, the 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By 2023, the Leagues Cup underwent a major transformation. It expanded dramatically to include all teams from both MLS and Liga MX, making it a large-scale international tournament similar in structure to global competitions.

This expansion marked a turning point, turning the Leagues Cup into a key fixture in the North American soccer calendar.

Defending Champion 2025 & previous Champions

2025: Inter Miami CF (defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1). This was the club's first MLS Cup title in history, with Lionel Messi being named man of the Match (MVP) for his two assists.

2024: Los Angeles Galaxy (defeated New York Red Bulls 2-1)

2023: Columbus Crew (defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1)

2022: Los Angeles FC (defeated Philadelphia Union on penalties)

Format of the Leagues Cup

The format of the Leagues Cup has evolved significantly since its early years. Today, it follows a World Cup-style structure:

1. Group stage

Teams are divided into groups.

Each team plays against others in their group.

Matches cannot end in a draw, games tied after 90 minutes go to a penalty shootout.

Teams earn points based on results, including bonus points for penalty shootout wins.

2. Knockout stage

Top teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds.

The competition follows a single-elimination format.

Rounds include the Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final.

3. Qualification for other competitions

One of the most important aspects is that top-performing teams qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which is the premier club competition in the region.

Financial rewards and prize money

The format of the Leagues Cup has evolved significantly since its early years. Today, it follows a World Cup-style structure:

1. Group stage

Teams are divided into groups.

Each team plays against others in their group.

Matches cannot end in a draw, games tied after 90 minutes go to a penalty shootout.

Teams earn points based on results, including bonus points for penalty shootout wins.

2. Knockout stage

Top teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds.

The competition follows a single-elimination format.

Rounds include the Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final.

3. Qualification for other competitions

One of the most important aspects is that top-performing teams qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, which is the premier club competition in the region.

Prize

Champion team : receive approximately $2 million.

Each match: Teams receive a fixed prize money for each appearance (approximately $100,000 per match) and additional bonuses for winning.

The top 3 teams in the Leagues Cup will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup

Key Facts about the Leagues Cup

Here are some interesting facts that highlight why the Leagues Cup is unique:

1. A true cross-border competition

Unlike most domestic leagues, the Leagues Cup is a fully integrated tournament between two countries, featuring clubs from the U.S, Canada, and Mexico.

2. All teams participate

Since 2023, every MLS and Liga MX team competes, making it one of the largest club tournaments in the world.

3. No draws allowed

Every match must produce a winner, which increases excitement and competitiveness for fans.

4. Mid-season tournament

The competition takes place during the MLS season, creating a unique schedule where domestic leagues pause for the tournament.

5. Growing popularity

The Leagues Cup has gained international attention, especially with the participation of global stars playing in MLS.

The Leagues Cup represents more than just a tournament, it symbolizes the growing strength of soccer in North America. By bringing together top teams from MLS and Liga MX, it raises the level of competition and provides fans with high-quality matches.

It also helps develop players, expand fan bases, and increase global visibility for both leagues.

The Leagues Cup has evolved from a small experimental competition into a major international tournament. With its exciting format, financial incentives, and cross-border appeal, it is now a key part of the North American soccer landscape.

As it continues to grow, the Leagues Cup is set to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of football in the region. The guide from fscores.net as a helpful handbook, answering the question ‘’What is the MLS Leagues Cup?’’ Don't forget to visit our site for the latest news updates.