Leagues Cup began on August 4 with an unusually direct proposition for soccer fans: put clubs from MLS and Liga MX against each other, then keep those interleague matchups going through the quarterfinals. The competition's official schedule announcement set a September 6 finish for a field of 36 clubs.
For a viewer beginning to follow North American club soccer, the points rules supplied an immediate reason to stay with a tied match.
A draw still produced a winner
The tournament's format guide describes a points system worth understanding before reading the standings. A regulation win earned three points. A match level after regulation went to penalties, with two points for the shootout winner and one for the loser.
That changes how an evening's results should be read. Two teams could finish regulation tied and leave with different rewards. A shootout victory also delivered less than a win secured during the match.
Each club played three Phase One matches against opposition from the other league. The top four clubs from each league advanced to the quarterfinals. Following one team therefore involved watching a league-specific qualification race as well as the match in front of you.
Mexico entered the hosting map
Four Phase One games were scheduled in Mexico, a first for the competition. Toluca, Tigres, and Club América were the hosts identified in the schedule release.
| Match outcome | Points earned |
|---|---|
| Regulation win | 3 |
| Shootout win after a regulation draw | 2 |
| Shootout loss | 1 |
The announced 62-match total contains more than the 54 Phase One games. The remaining eight matches account for the later knockout program, including the championship and third-place game. Phase One results earn points; knockout results determine progression or final placement.
The points system also gives a useful numerical comparison. Three shootout wins yield six points; two regulation wins yield the same six. That example follows the stated scoring rules and explains why a standings position cannot be read from the word win alone.
Apple's August 3 viewing announcement said all 62 matches would stream on Apple TV in more than 100 countries and regions. Commentary included English, Spanish, and French where available. The competition also listed television partners for selected games. Anyone looking for a particular match should check the individual listing and language options, rather than assume a television broadcast covered the whole tournament.
