For the first time in 'Caps history, the team will enter Leagues Cup in a new and enhanced format for the month-long inter-league tournament, featuring 36 clubs – 18 qualifying MLS teams and all 18 Liga MX teams. Leagues Cup will be played in two rounds: Phase One, beginning on August 4, and the Knockout Rounds, ending with the Leagues Cup Final on September 6. Every match through the quarterfinals features an MLS team versus a Liga MX team.
The action kicks off on August 4 at BC Place, when the 'Caps face Atlante FC in our first match of Phase One, followed by a clash with FC Juárez on August 7, then the third match of Phase One will be away, hosted by Tigres UANL. This will be the first time in Leagues Cup history that matches will be played in Mexico.
2026 Leagues Cup Phase One:
Juntos al Norte! We’re climbing Together to the North, to reach the trophy.
In Leagues Cup, host venues like BC Place are neutral venues and a home for both clubs. The in-stadium fan experience will be different and unique, and some of the usual pre-match ceremonies that happen during a home Whitecaps match will be replaced with ceremonial Leagues Cup rituals.
The four advancing clubs from the MLS and Liga MX tables will be placed in a fixed bracket to compete in the single-game elimination knockout rounds beginning with the quarterfinals, featuring only MLS vs. Liga MX matchups. The quarterfinal pairings will be decided based on Leagues Cup Phase One performance.
The four advancing clubs will compete in the two semifinal matches. The Leagues Cup 2026 Third Place match and Final will determine the three clubs that qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Leagues Cup 2026 will maintain its current "No Draws" format.
During the quarterfinals, semifinals, Third Place and Final, if tied at the end of regulation, the winner will be determined by a subsequent penalty shootout.