The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup draw will have Tuesday night. 27 teams will participate in the annual tournament. The winner will get a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
This isn’t just some mid-season friendly tournament anymore. With nine MLS clubs in the mix and a direct path to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup on the line, Tuesday’s draw in Miami carries serious weight.
The ceremony kicks off at 7 PM ET on Concacaf’s YouTube channel. No streaming subscriptions needed—just tune in and watch the continental chaos unfold.
Five Teams Skip the Line
While 22 teams will battle through Round One starting in February, five clubs get the VIP treatment with automatic byes to the Round of 16.
Seattle Sounders FC earned their spot by winning Leagues Cup. Fresh MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF also get a pass, along with Liga MX’s Toluca FC, Caribbean Cup winners Mount Pleasant, and Central American champions Alajuelense.
The remaining clubs get sorted into pots based on Concacaf’s club rankings. Translation: the big boys avoid each other early, while everyone else fights for scraps in Round One.
West Coast Representation Strong
MLS is sending a decent squad across the border. LAFC, LA Galaxy, and the Sounders lead the West Coast charge, while FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, and Philadelphia Union represent the Eastern Conference.
Don’t sleep on San Diego FC making their continental debut, either. The expansion side gets thrown straight into the continental deep end.
Mexico brings six clubs including perennial powerhouses Club América and Cruz Azul. Canada sends four teams, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC the lone MLS representative from up north.
What’s at Stake
Beyond regional bragging rights, this tournament has gotten a massive upgrade in importance. The champion doesn’t just get a trophy and some prize money—they punch their ticket to FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup in 2029.
The tournament runs from February through May, with the final scheduled for May 30. Every round except the final features home-and-away legs, meaning plenty of chances for upsets and dramatic comebacks.
With Liga MX clubs historically dominating this competition, MLS teams need to show they can compete when it matters. Seattle proved it’s possible by winning the whole thing in 2022. Now it’s time to see who else can step up.
