As the 2024 Leagues Cup approaches, soccer fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups that will take place in this joint MLS and Liga MX tournament. With a revised format and new groupings, the competition promises to be full of excitement and fierce competition. The tournament will kick off on July 26 and culminate in a final on Aug. 25, providing a World-Cup style experience for fans and players alike.
The 2024 Leagues Cup will feature 47 clubs divided into 15 groups of three teams each. Notably, two teams, Club America and Columbus Crew, have received automatic byes into the knockout round. The distribution of teams into groups was determined by a new Leagues Cup Ranking system, which considered teams’ performances in the previous regular season. This year, the groups are split into two regions, East and West, for a more balanced and competitive structure.
One of the most anticipated matchups in the group stage is in East 3, where Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face off against Mexican powerhouse Tigres, along with Apertura quarterfinalist Puebla. The presence of Messi in the tournament adds an extra layer of excitement and competition, as teams aim to dethrone the current Leagues Cup champions.
In West 2, all eyes will be on the clash between Chivas and the LA Galaxy, with former MLS star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez returning to face his previous club. Additionally, the matchup between Cade Cowell and the San Jose Earthquakes promises to be a compelling storyline, as Cowell faces his former team shortly after departing in the winter transfer window.
Similar to the previous year, group stage matches will not end in ties, with penalty shootouts deciding the winner for matches deadlocked after regulation time. The top two teams from the 15 groups will advance to the knockout round, along with Club America and Columbus Crew. The remaining knockout matches will be single-elimination, leading up to a final and a third-place game.
The ultimate prize for the finalists and the third-place winner is entry into the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding extra incentive for teams to perform at their best. All matches will be held in the United States and Canada, with certain privileges granted to the top Mexican teams to reduce travel and enhance the tournament experience.
Future Possibilities and Expansion
While the focus of the Leagues Cup remains on catering to fans in the U.S. and Canada, there is a possibility of playing matches in Mexico in future editions. The Leagues Cup Committee, comprised of representatives from both MLS and Liga MX, is open to exploring opportunities to expand the tournament and reach a broader audience. With the success of previous editions and the growing popularity of the competition, the future looks bright for the Leagues Cup.
The 2024 Leagues Cup promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, competition, and sportsmanship between MLS and Liga MX teams. With exciting matchups, a revamped format, and the opportunity for clubs to earn a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the tournament is set to captivate fans and players alike. Stay tuned for the official schedule and playoff brackets, as the journey to crown the regional champions begins.
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