Leagues Cup 2023: venues in Mexico and new dynamics
From August 4 to September 6, 18 clubs from Liga MX and 18 from Major League Soccer will compete for the Leagues Cup title. For the first time, four official matches will be played on Mexican territory.
Fans will be able to attend Toluca vs. Seattle Sounders and Toluca vs. Dallas at Nemesio Diez; America vs. San Diego FC at Banorte; and Tigers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps at the Universitario. The organization seeks to strengthen the growth of the contest on both sides of the border.
Carlos Salcido, former soccer player and ambassador of the competition, recalled the intensity of the previous duels between teams from both countries.
“I had to play very cool, very intense and very exciting matches as a player against teams from the United States. In this edition I don’t think it will be the exception.”
Salcido also hoped that a Mexican club could win the trophy, after the first three editions were won by MLS teams.
“We need a Mexican club to appear in this Cup. The last three editions have been won by clubs from the United States, let’s hope this is the good one.”
Tom Mayo, executive director of the Leagues Cup, highlighted the unique nature of the tournament.
“The Leagues Cup is the only official tournament in the world that pits two professional Leagues against each other. That makes this competition unique.”
Víctor Guevara, sports director, pointed out that the rivalry between both leagues is the essence of the championship.
“The rivalry between the Liga MX and MLS teams is the essence of the tournament. That was what we learned from the first edition and it is what we want to continue strengthening year after year.”
The format requires maximum concentration: each club plays three games in the initial phase, always against rivals from the opposite league. Afterwards, only the four best in each circuit advance to direct elimination. A draw or a defeat can leave anyone out.
