What is the Concacaf Champions Cup?
The Concacaf Champions Cup is the premier men’s club competition in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, organized by the regional governing body Concacaf and historically known as the Concacaf Champions League. It determines the continental champion and awards a place at the FIFA Club World Cup, placing it at the top of the regional club pyramid.
Concacaf rebranded and expanded the tournament as the Champions Cup starting with the 2024 cycle, increasing the number of participating clubs and creating a longer knockout pathway to the title. This shift was designed to enhance competitive balance, increase broadcast value and align with the growing global profile of North American soccer.
Format, Rounds and Tournament Schedule
The modern Concacaf Champions Cup features multiple knockout stages: an opening Round One, a Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and a single‑match final at a predetermined venue. Clubs qualify via domestic league performance, regional competitions and Concacaf pathways, with higher‑ranked teams often entering directly in later rounds.
Ties up to the final are played over two legs, home and away, with aggregate score deciding the winner, while the final is a one‑off showcase typically held in a major stadium. Official schedules and match centers list fixtures, venues, kick‑off times and results, allowing supporters to track every stage from the early rounds through the June final.
Recent Editions and Regional Impact
Recent editions, including the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, have highlighted the continued strength of Mexican and MLS clubs, which frequently reach the late knockout rounds and contest high‑intensity, high‑scoring ties. The move to a neutral‑site final and expanded field has increased competitive drama and created more marquee matchdays for broadcasters and fans.
For clubs across the region, the Champions Cup is now a key strategic objective, with the promise of FIFA Club World Cup qualification driving investment in deeper rosters and infrastructure. At the same time, teams from Central America and the Caribbean benefit from exposure, gate revenue and scouting visibility when they face larger markets, reinforcing the tournament’s role in developing the broader Concacaf ecosystem.