The Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off on February 3, 2026, featuring 27 teams vying for regional supremacy and a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami receives a bye to the round of 16, while MLS newcomers like San Diego FC make their debut against Pumas UNAM. Liga MX powerhouses such as Tigres and Club América enter the fray amid a packed schedule of home-and-away legs.
The tournament, rebranded from the Concacaf Champions League, aims to crown North America's top club after Cruz Azul's victory over Vancouver Whitecaps last season. With shifts like German Berterame's move from Monterrey to Inter Miami, the competition promises intrigue. Five teams—Inter Miami, Toluca, Seattle Sounders, Mount Pleasant FC, and LD Alajuelense—bypass the first round and await round-of-16 opponents.
Round one commences on Tuesday, February 3, with Forge FC hosting Tigres UNAL at 7 p.m. ET on Tubi, followed by Olimpia versus Club América at 9 p.m. on FS2 and Fubo, and San Diego FC welcoming Pumas UNAM at 11 p.m. on the same platforms. The next day, Xelaju MC faces Monterrey at 8 p.m., and Vancouver FC takes on defending champions Cruz Azul at 10 p.m. on Tubi. Second legs follow in the subsequent weeks, including Atletico Ottawa against Nashville SC on February 17.
Each round features home-and-away ties until the single-leg final on May 30. MLS teams enter early, before their February 21 league start, potentially facing rust against in-form Liga MX and Costa Rican sides. Canadian Premier League clubs like Forge FC, Vancouver FC, and Atletico Ottawa confront tough draws without league play until April.
The winner secures qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and a 2029 Club World Cup berth, joining Cruz Azul and future winners. Broadcast options include Tubi, FS2, FS1, and Fubo, ensuring wide accessibility for fans tracking the path to continental glory.
