2026 Concacaf Champions Cup: Schedule, Qualified Teams, and Key Details

The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup is set to showcase the region’s top club football talent. This year’s competition features a new format and increased participation from leagues across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the tournament, including the schedule, qualified teams, and key changes.

Tournament Overview

The 2026 edition marks the 61st season of the Concacaf Champions Cup, the premier club football tournament for the region. It’s a five-round knockout tournament with 27 teams qualifying based on performance in their respective national and zonal league and cup competitions. The first four rounds are played as two-legged series at the home stadiums of the participating teams, culminating in a single-legged final. Source

Qualified Teams and Qualification Pathways

Twenty-seven teams have qualified for the tournament. Five teams received direct entry into the Round of 16. The remaining 22 teams began competition in Round One. Qualification pathways include national league competitions in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as well as several international competitions. Source

• MLS Cup Champions: Inter Miami CF
• Liga MX Champions: The champion of the 2024–25 Liga MX season
• Canadian Premier League (CPL): Forge FC and Atlético Ottawa qualified as the CPL Shield winners and North Star Cup champions, respectively.
• Canadian Championship: Vancouver FC, as the TELUS Canadian Championship runners-up.
• CONCACAF Caribbean Cup: Three teams
• CONCACAF Central American Cup: Six teams
• Leagues Cup: Three teams

Round One Results and Round of 16 Matchups

The Round One matchups have been determined, setting the stage for the Round of 16. Key matchups include:

• Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Vancouver FC (CAN) Source
• Forge FC (CAN) vs. Tigres UANL (MEX) Source
• Atlético Ottawa (CAN) vs. Nashville SC (USA) Source

The winner of the Atlético Ottawa vs. Nashville SC matchup will face Inter Miami in the Round of 16. Source

Round of 16 Schedule

The Round of 16 matches will be played over three days in March 2026, with a two-legged format. The away goal rule will serve as the tiebreaker criterion. Source

• Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Wednesday, March 11, 2026
• Thursday, March 12, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup features 27 teams from across the region.
• Increased representation from MLS teams, including newcomers San Diego FC.
• The tournament follows a five-round knockout format, with the final being a single-legged match.
• The winner will qualify for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Source