LA Galaxy set to clash with Liga MX giants in Leagues Cup 2024 group stage

In a significant announcement today, MLS unveiled the LA Galaxy’s group for Leagues Cup 2024, the eagerly awaited second edition of the international soccer competition that features all 47 clubs from Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Galaxy’s group, named West 2, will see them face off against the formidable Club Deportivo Guadalajara from LIGA MX and the San Jose Earthquakes. The Leagues Cup 2024, a month-long tournament that promises intense competition between MLS and LIGA MX clubs, is scheduled to take place from July 26 to Aug. 25.

One of the key highlights of Leagues Cup 2024 is the introduction of a tiered Leagues Cup Ranking system and designated hubs for the highest-ranked LIGA MX clubs. The ranking will be based on combined MLS and LIGA MX club performance in the last 34 regular season matches. MLS teams will be ranked using the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings, while LIGA MX clubs will be ranked based on the cumulative 34 matches in the 2023 Clausura and Apertura tournaments.

The participating clubs, excluding the two league champions, will be divided into three tiers (1-15, 16-30, 31-45), forming 15 groups of three clubs each. Leagues Cup 2024 will be played in two regions, East and West, with the two champions, Club America and Columbus Crew, receiving an automatic bye to the Round of 32. Additionally, Liga MX Champion and the top three-ranked LIGA MX clubs will enjoy hub privileges, minimizing travel and rewarding them with predetermined venues as the home team.

The knockout rounds, commencing with the Round of 32, will feature a fixed bracket comprising 30 advancing teams and the MLS and LIGA MX cup champions. The single-game elimination rounds will proceed with the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and ultimately determine the three Concacaf Champions Cup qualified clubs in the Third Place and Final matches.

Leagues Cup 2024 will uphold its No Ties format, with each team earning one point for a draw after 90 minutes. In the event of a tie, a penalty shootout will decide the winner, earning an additional point. Regulation wins will count as three points, and fans worldwide can catch all 77 matches on MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app, in addition to linear broadcasts on major networks such as TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca, FOX Sports (FS1), TSN, and RDS. The global soccer community eagerly anticipates the spectacle of Leagues Cup 2024, where the battle for supremacy between MLS and Liga MX clubs will unfold in an electrifying manner.