A new edition of the CONCACAF Champions Cup is set to begin—the 60th in history—with the unique aspect that the current champion, Pachuca, will not be competing, meaning they won’t be able to defend their title.
The ‘Tuzos’ failed to secure one of Mexico’s six available spots due to a poor 2024 in domestic competitions. América remains the club with the most championships in the tournament, boasting seven titles, though they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2016. After achieving a remarkable three consecutive championships in Mexican football, they now strive for international success.
The tournament kicks off on February 4, with the final scheduled for June 1.
CONCACAF Champions Cup Tournament Format
A total of 27 teams will compete in this tournament, which consists of five rounds—four of them being two-legged ties, while the final is a single-match event hosted by the finalist with the best overall performance throughout the competition.
Among the 27 qualified teams, 22 will enter the first round, competing in two-legged matches with the clear goal of advancing to the Round of 16. In this next stage, they will take on five formidable pre-qualified champions: América (Liga MX), Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS), Cavalier (Concacaf Caribbean Cup), Alajuelense (Concacaf Central American Cup), and Columbus Crew (Leagues Cup). This competition promises to showcase top-tier talent and thrilling matchups.
CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualified Teams
The country with the most representatives is the United States, with six teams qualifying via MLS and the U.S. Open Cup (LA Galaxy, Sporting Kansas City, Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle Sounders), plus three through the Leagues Cup (Columbus Crew, Los Angeles FC, and Colorado Rapids) for a total of nine.
Next is Mexico, with six teams from Liga MX: América as the league champion, Tigres and Cruz Azul as runners-up of the Apertura and Clausura, while Monterrey, Chivas, and Pumas qualified based on the year’s overall standings.
Canada and Costa Rica each have three teams. Canada will be represented by Cavalry (Canadian Premier League champion), Forge (Canadian Premier League regular-season winner), and Vancouver Whitecaps (Canadian Championship winner). Costa Rica, meanwhile, has Alajuelense, Herediano, and Saprissa, all qualifying through the Concacaf Central American Cup.
Other teams from the Central American Cup include Real Estelí (Nicaragua), Antigua (Guatemala), and Motagua (Honduras). The Concacaf Caribbean Cup has three representatives alongside Cavalier (Jamaica): Cibao (Dominican Republic) and Real Hope (Haiti).
CONCACAF Champions Cup Top Contenders
The last 16 finals have only featured teams from Liga MX or MLS, with Costa Rica’s Saprissa being the last non-North American finalist in 2008. In fact, Saprissa was also the last Central American team to win the title, doing so in 2005.
América is among the top contenders, the reigning three-time Mexican league champion and current Liga MX leader. They will make their debut against the winner of Guadalajara vs. Cibao.
Last year’s finalist and Leagues Cup champion, Columbus Crew, is another strong favorite, led by Colombian star Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernández.
Cruz Azul had a great tournament last semester in Mexican football, setting a points record. However, they faltered in the playoffs and couldn’t secure the title. For 2025, they have significantly strengthened their squad with Argentine Luka Romero and Polish Mateusz Bogusz. Combined with the stars already on the team, they are set to form a formidable attacking force.
Finally, the reigning MLS champion, Los Angeles Galaxy, is also in the mix. Despite Riqui Puig’s injury and key departures like Gastón Brugman and Dejan Joveljic, they remain a formidable side.The expectation is that they will bring in high-profile reinforcements to compensate for their losses.
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