CONCACAF Champions League 2026/27

The CONCACAF Champions Cup operates at the summit of club football across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Organised by the confederation, it replaced the earlier Copa de Campeones de la Concacaf to establish a premier continental competition. While the tournament sits at the top of the regional pyramid, its structure has shifted significantly over recent years.

The current format marks a departure from previous iterations. Following a 2024 expansion to 27 teams, the competition abandoned the group stage that had been used from 2008 to 2017. It now functions as a straight knockout tournament. The path to the trophy includes a Round One played over two legs, followed by a Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals, all contested across two matches. These stages culminate in a single-match Final. This streamlined approach contrasts with the Copa Libertadores, which retains a group stage and commands higher financial stakes, according to observers noting the structural differences between the two major continental competitions.

Qualification remains strictly tied to domestic performance rather than promotion or relegation within the tournament itself. Mexico provides six spots, while the United States contributes five places plus the Open Cup winner. Canada supplies two qualifiers along with the Championship winner. Central America and the Caribbean each send six and three teams respectively, determined through their own regional cups. Certain high-profile domestic winners, such as the MLS Cup or Liga MX champions, receive byes directly to the Round of 16.

The competition serves a specific purpose beyond continental glory. The winner secures a place in the FIFA Club World Cup. However, this victory does not grant automatic entry into the subsequent edition of the Champions Cup, meaning teams must qualify again through their domestic leagues. Recent history shows Pachuca as the 2024 champion, having defeated Columbus Crew, while Cruz Azul claimed the 2025 title against Vancouver Whitecaps.