Leagues Cup 2023 Tournament Preview

Last Updated on July 19, 2023 12:52 am by Erwin Noguera

As we approach the exciting heart of the North American soccer season, the anticipation for the Leagues Cup 2023 is palpable among fans and bettors alike.

This tournament, which combines the best of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, is a soccer spectacle offering a unique betting landscape. In addition, it is worth mentioning that all teams from MLS (29) and Liga MX (18) will participate in the tournament. As a result, the best teams in CONCACAF will face on the pitch.

History of the Leagues Cup

The Leagues Cup, a relatively new event in soccer, was held for the first time in July 2019. This annual competition, a collaboration between MLS and Liga MX, was created to foster a competitive environment among the top soccer clubs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition, the tournament has quickly gained popularity, offering an exciting mix of North American soccer styles and a fresh betting perspective.

Moreover, it is worth noting that, from this tournament, some of the teams that will qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League 2024 will emerge.

Format of the Leagues Cup 2023

As mentioned, the Leagues Cup 2023 will have 47 teams, 29 from MLS and 18 from Liga MX.

The total number of teams divided into 15 groups of three teams each. As a result, we will have 45 of the 47 teams distributed in these groups. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that both LAFC (current MLS Champion) and Pachuca (Liga MX Apertura 2022 Champion) start their career in this Leagues Cup in the Round of 32.

These 15 groups are divided into zones and regions; the organizers want a complete balance based on the teams’ performance during the 2022 season.

In the Group Stage, each team will play two matches, and, in case of a tie, they’ll go to a penalty shootout. Finally, the two best teams in each group advance to the Round of 16.

In the 2019 edition, the winner was Cruz Azul, while in 2021, another Mexican team, León, was the one to lift the champions’ trophy. Now, we will see if MLS clubs can take the victory.

Awards

Also, the rewards of the Leagues Cup go beyond trophies and the prestige of winning the tournament. The champion secures a place in the CONCACAF Champions League. In addition, added incentives for teams and a crucial factor for bettors to consider.

Leagues Cup 2023 schedule

The Leagues Cup 2023 Group Stage kicks off next Friday, July 21, 2023, and runs through August 1, which means almost two weeks of intense and exciting action. Then, the quarterfinals will be played between August 11 and 12, while the semifinals will be on August 15. Finally, the Grand Final of the Leagues Cup 2023 will be played on August 19, 2023.

Groups of the Leagues Cup 2023

WEST

1: Tigres UANL, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes

2: Monterrey, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC

3: LA Galaxy, Club León, Vancouver Whitecaps FC

CENTRAL

1: Club America, Columbus Crew, St. Louis City SC

2: Puebla, Minnesota United FC, Chicago Fire FC

3: Chivas Guadalajara, FC Cincinnati, Sporting Kansas City

4: Nashville SC, Toluca, Colorado Rapids

SOUTH

1: Austin FC, Mazatlán FC, FC Juárez 

2: Santos Laguna, Orlando City SC, Houston Dynamo FC 

3: Cruz Azul, Inter Miami CF, Atlanta United FC

4: FC Dallas, Necaxa, Charlotte FC

EAST

1: Philadelphia Union, Club Tijuana, Querétaro

2: CF Montréal, Pumas UNAM, D.C. United

3: NYC FC, Atlas, Toronto FC

4: New York RB, Atletico San Luis, New England Revolution