The 2026 Leagues Cup gets under way on August 4th, fulfilling your soccer fix for another full month. The best teams from MLS and Liga MX will take to the field across five weeks of soccer action to try and claim the title that the Seattle Sounders won last time out.
In this guide, we’ll let you know exactly how the Leagues Cup works, and how to keep up with all the action from the league phase all the way to the final on September 6th. Whether you are watching on TV or looking for how to stream the Leagues Cup live in the US, you’re in the right place, and our Leagues Cup TV and streaming schedule will keep you right during the tournament
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament dates | August 4–September 6, 2026 |
| Participating teams | 18 MLS clubs and 18 Liga MX clubs |
| Number of matches | 62 |
| Main streaming service | Apple TV |
| U.S. TV coverage | FS1 and TelevisaUnivision networks |
| Quarterfinals | August 25–27 |
| Semifinals | September 1–2 |
| Third-place match and final | September 6 |
What is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup first appeared as an invitational competition in 2019, while the current expanded annual tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX clubs launched in 2023. An intense schedule of 62 games will be played, in order to crown a winner. The tournament is made up of 36 teams, consisting of all eighteen teams who play in this season’s Liga MX and the eighteen teams who qualified for last year’s MLS Cup playoffs.
The Leagues Cup has become a major part of the CONCACAF calendar, as teams across Canada, the United States and Mexico aim to add a major honor to their trophy cabinet and gain bragging rights across the continent.
Leagues Cup 2026 tournament format
- August 4 - 13th: League Phase
- August 25 - 27th: Quarterfinals
- September 1 - 2nd: Semifinals
- September 6th: Third-Place Playoff
- September 6th: Final
The competition begins with Phase One, which runs from August 4–13. Each of the 36 clubs plays three matches against teams from the opposing league. Results are recorded in separate MLS and Liga MX tables, with the top four clubs from each league advancing to the quarterfinals.
Leagues Cup uses a no-draw format. A regulation victory is worth three points. When a match is tied after 90 minutes, both teams receive one point before a penalty shootout determines which club earns an additional point.
The eight remaining clubs then enter a single-elimination bracket. The quarterfinals take place from August 25–27, followed by the semifinals on September 1–2. If a knockout match is tied after regulation, it goes directly to a penalty shootout without extra time.
The third-place match and final are both played on September 6. The champion, runner-up and third-place finisher qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the Leagues Cup winner advancing directly to the Round of 16.
What channel can I watch Leagues Cup games on?
Every one of the 62 Leagues Cup matches will be available live on Apple TV. The tournament is included with a standard Apple TV subscription, which currently costs $12.99 per month in the United States.
Selected matches will also be shown on traditional television. FOX Sports will televise 14 games on FS1, including 12 during Phase One and two during the knockout rounds.
TelevisaUnivision will carry 16 matches across its broadcast networks, including 11 during Phase One and five knockout games, including the final. Some matches will be shown by more than one broadcast partner, so the FOX Sports and TelevisaUnivision totals should not be added together as separate games.
Can I watch the Leagues Cup on streaming?
Yes. Apple TV is the only streaming service carrying every match of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with all 62 games included as part of a standard subscription.
The selected matches shown on FS1 or through TelevisaUnivision may also be available through live-TV streaming services such as Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream. However, channel availability varies by package and location.
Before subscribing, viewers should confirm that their chosen plan includes FS1 and the relevant TelevisaUnivision network in their local market. The exact viewing option for each game will also be listed in our Leagues Cup schedule.
Do I need cable to watch the Leagues Cup?
No. A cable or satellite subscription is not required to watch the tournament. Apple TV carries every Leagues Cup match and can be accessed through smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, mobile devices and web browsers.
Selected FS1 and TelevisaUnivision broadcasts may also be available through live-TV streaming services. Some TelevisaUnivision games may be accessible free over the air in areas where viewers can receive the relevant local station with a digital antenna.
An antenna will not provide access to every match, so Apple TV remains the only option offering complete tournament coverage.
Can I watch games in Spanish?
Yes. TelevisaUnivision will provide Spanish-language television coverage of 16 selected matches across its broadcast networks.
Apple TV will also offer commentary in English, Spanish and French where available. Viewers should check the individual game listing to confirm the available broadcast and commentary options.
Can I watch the Leagues Cup for free?
There is no guaranteed free option for watching all 62 Leagues Cup matches. However, some viewers may be able to access selected games without paying for a full subscription.
Apple TV currently offers a seven-day free trial, although eligibility may vary. This could be useful for viewers who want to watch games taking place within a particular week, but the trial is not long enough to cover the entire tournament.
Selected TelevisaUnivision broadcasts may also be available free over the air in markets where the relevant local station can be received with a digital antenna. Live-TV streaming services sometimes offer introductory trials as well, although these promotions can change and should be checked before subscribing.
Where can I check when upcoming Leagues Cup games are on?
Check our upcoming Leagues Cup games for the latest kickoff times, TV channels and streaming options throughout the tournament.
For live listings across other domestic, European and international competitions, visit our broader soccer TV schedule.