Leagues Cup 2023: Defending Champions Set for Title Defense
Columbus, Ohio: The highly anticipated Leagues Cup 2023 tournament has announced its opening matches, setting the stage for thrilling encounters between Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX giants. Reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew will kick off their title defense on July 29, welcoming LIGA MX side Toluca to their home turf.
Miami, Florida: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will embark on their quest for a second Leagues Cup title a day later, facing Atlas on July 30. The star-studded team will be eager to showcase their skills against the Mexican powerhouse.
Carson, California: Reigning MLS champions L.A. Galaxy will take center stage on July 31, hosting Club Tijuana in a highly anticipated clash at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Galaxy will be determined to make a mark in the tournament, having narrowly missed out on the title last year.
Tournament Format and Key Dates:
The 2023 Leagues Cup tournament will run from July 29 to August 31, culminating in an exciting final. The format has undergone significant changes, with 58 of 62 possible matches taking place between MLS and LIGA MX teams before the semifinals. All 18 LIGA MX clubs and 18 of 30 MLS teams will participate in the tournament.
Teams have been divided into six sets of six clubs, ensuring direct matchups between MLS and LIGA MX counterparts in the first phase. The top four MLS and LIGA MX clubs, ranked based on a points system, will advance to the quarterfinals.
Top 6 LIGA MX Clubs Receive Privileges:
In a notable update, the tournament organizers have granted travel and hosting privileges to the top six LIGA MX clubs: Club América, Cruz Azul, Toluca, Tigres, Monterrey, and Pumas. These clubs will have reduced travel and the opportunity to play home matches at MLS stadiums.
Club América, the reigning LIGA MX champion, will begin its campaign in Salt Lake City before playing two games in Texas. Cruz Azul and Tigres will play two matches in California, Toluca will face opponents in the New York/New Jersey area, Monterrey will play in Cincinnati, and Pumas will stay within Florida throughout the tournament.
Streaming Availability:
All Leagues Cup matches will be available for live streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Fans worldwide will have the opportunity to witness the captivating action between some of the best soccer teams in North America.
Concacaf Champions League Implications:
The Leagues Cup champion, runner-up, and third-place team will earn automatic qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions League. This prestigious continental tournament provides a pathway to the FIFA Club World Cup, adding an extra layer of motivation for the participating clubs.
Conclusion:
The Leagues Cup 2023 promises to be a captivating soccer spectacle, showcasing the talents of renowned players from both MLS and LIGA MX. With the addition of the top six LIGA MX clubs, the tournament has taken on a new level of excitement. Fans can expect thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and the potential for history to be made as the chase for the coveted Leagues Cup trophy begins.
