The return of the Concacaf Champions League promises excitement as teams gear up to challenge Cruz Azul, who took home the trophy last season after besting the Vancouver Whitecaps. This victory placed them firmly at the top of North American soccer. However, with significant player movements, like German Berterame’s transfer to Inter Miami to join Lionel Messi, the competition will be fierce.
A total of 27 teams have qualified for this year’s tournament, including five clubs that move directly to the round of 16. Inter Miami, Toluca, the Seattle Sounders, Mount Pleasant FC, and LD Alajuelense will await their first matchups as the tournament kicks off on February 3.
The tournament format features home-and-away legs for each round. Teams advancing will continue through to the final, a single-leg showdown. The champions will not only earn prize money but secure a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, representing North America alongside Cruz Azul and the winners from 2027 and 2028. Furthermore, they will represent their region in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
One potential challenge for MLS teams is the timing. They will enter the tournament before starting their league season on February 21. This places them at risk for sluggish performance, while Liga MX and Costa Rican counterparts have already had a few matches under their belts. Similarly, Canadian Premier League teams like Forge FC, Vancouver FC, and Atletico Ottawa will also face challenges as their seasons don’t start until April, complicating their encounters against tough Liga MX clubs in the first round. Yet, the unpredictable nature of knockout tournaments means anything can happen, and growth in the Canadian Premier League’s seventh season shows promising potential for these teams.
Round one schedule
All times Eastern
Tuesday, Feb. 3
- Forge FC vs. Tigres UNAL, 7 p.m. (Tubi)
- Olimpia vs. Club América, 9 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
- San Diego FC vs. Pumas UNAM, 11 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
Wednesday, Feb. 4
- Xelaju MC vs. Monterrey, 8 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
- Vancouver FC vs. Cruz Azul, 10 p.m. (Tubi)
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Cruz Azul vs. Vancouver FC, 8 p.m. (Tubi)
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Wednesday, Feb. 18
- Defense Force vs. Philadelphia Union. 6 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
- Universidad O&M vs. FC Cincinnati, 8 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
- Cartagines vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 10 p.m. (Tubi)
Thursday, Feb. 19
- Sporting San Miguelito vs. LA Galaxy, 8 p.m. (FS1 and Fubo)
Tuesday, Feb. 24
Wednesday, Feb. 25
- FC Cincinnati vs. Universidad O&M, 7 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Cartagines, 9:30 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
- LA Galaxy vs. Sporting San Miguelito, 11:30 p.m. (FS2 and Fubo)
Thursday, Feb. 26
- Philadelphia Union vs. Defense Force, 7 p.m. (FS1 and Fubo)
Key dates
- Round of 16 First Legs: March 10–12
- Round of 16 Second Legs: March 17–19
- Quarterfinals First Legs: April 7–9
- Quarterfinals Second Legs: April 14–16
- Semifinals First Legs: April 28–30
- Semifinals Second Legs: May 5–7
- Final: Saturday, May 30
