The cross-border rivalry between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX returns when the 2026 Leagues Cup kicks off on Tuesday, August 4. The month-long tournament pits 18 qualifying MLS clubs against all 18 Liga MX sides. International bragging rights, hardware, and coveted CONCACAF Champions Cup spots are all on the line.
If you’ve tried tracking down soccer broadcasts across regional sports networks and cable channels in years past, you know how confusing it can be to find a specific game. Thankfully, modern broadcast agreements have streamlined things considerably.
Fans looking to watch Leagues Cup matches now have a much simpler path. Whether you’re following defending champions Seattle Sounders FC, tuning in for Inter Miami CF, or backing a Liga MX powerhouse like Club América, coverage centers on one primary streaming hub alongside a handful of traditional TV broadcasts.
What channels show the Leagues Cup?
Apple TV is the global streaming home of the 2026 Leagues Cup, streaming all 62 matches live without local blackouts in more than 100 countries and regions. You can watch through the Apple TV app on smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, or mobile devices.
For traditional TV viewers in the U.S., select matches will also air in English on FOX and FS1. TelevisaUnivision will carry 16 Spanish-language broadcasts across Univision, TUDN, and UniMás, including 11 during Phase One and five during the Knockout Stage.
Pro tip: TSN will carry 14 matches in Canada, with seven also presented in French on RDS. In Mexico, Imagen Televisión will show 12 Phase One matches, while TelevisaUnivision networks will carry three.
2026 Leagues Cup TV schedule
The 2026 Leagues Cup runs for roughly a month, starting Tuesday, August 4, and wrapping up with the Third-Place Match and Final on Sunday, September 6. Phase One packs 54 MLS vs. Liga MX matchups into nine matchdays before the top four clubs from each league advance to the Quarterfinals, which begin August 25.
Marquee opening-week fixtures include Toluca hosting Seattle Sounders FC in the first Leagues Cup match played in Mexico. LAFC will also renew its rivalry with Chivas de Guadalajara, while Liga MX Clausura champion Cruz Azul faces New York City FC.
Check the table below for every matchup, kickoff time, and viewing option.
Phase One schedule
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Aug. 4 | ||
| Columbus Crew vs. Atlas | 7:45 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX |
| FC Cincinnati vs. Pachuca | 7:45 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Charlotte FC vs. Pumas UNAM | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Minnesota United FC vs. FC Juárez | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Tigres UANL vs. Real Salt Lake | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Atlante FC | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Wednesday, Aug. 5 | ||
| CF Monterrey vs. Orlando City SC | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Inter Miami CF vs. Atlético de San Luis | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Nashville SC vs. Club León | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| FC Dallas vs. Querétaro | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Toluca vs. Seattle Sounders FC | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| LAFC vs. Chivas de Guadalajara | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Thursday, Aug. 6 | ||
| New York City FC vs. Santos Laguna | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Cruz Azul vs. Philadelphia Union | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Chicago Fire FC vs. Necaxa | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Austin FC vs. Club Tijuana | 9:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Club América vs. San Diego FC | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Portland Timbers vs. Puebla | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Friday, Aug. 7 | ||
| Charlotte FC vs. Atlas | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Columbus Crew vs. Pachuca | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| FC Cincinnati vs. Pumas UNAM | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV, Univision |
| Tigres UANL vs. Minnesota United FC | 9:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. FC Juárez | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Saturday, Aug. 8 | ||
| Orlando City SC vs. Club León | 6:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Inter Miami CF vs. CF Monterrey | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Chivas de Guadalajara vs. FC Dallas | 9:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Real Salt Lake vs. Atlante FC | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Toluca vs. LAFC | 11:10 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Sunday, Aug. 9 | ||
| Seattle Sounders FC vs. Querétaro | 3:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Philadelphia Union vs. Necaxa | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Cruz Azul vs. New York City FC | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Chicago Fire FC vs. Santos Laguna | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Nashville SC vs. Atlético de San Luis | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Austin FC vs. Puebla | 9:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| San Diego FC vs. Club Tijuana | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Club América vs. Portland Timbers | 10:15 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Tuesday, Aug. 11 | ||
| Charlotte FC vs. Pachuca | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| FC Cincinnati vs. Atlas | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Minnesota United FC vs. Atlante FC | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Real Salt Lake vs. FC Juárez | 9:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Tigres UANL vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Wednesday, Aug. 12 | ||
| Orlando City SC vs. Atlético de San Luis | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Inter Miami CF vs. Club León | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| CF Monterrey vs. Nashville SC | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
| Toluca vs. FC Dallas | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| San Diego FC vs. Puebla | 10:15 p.m. | Apple TV |
| LAFC vs. Querétaro | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Seattle Sounders FC vs. Chivas de Guadalajara | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Thursday, Aug. 13 | ||
| Philadelphia Union vs. Santos Laguna | 7:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| New York City FC vs. Necaxa | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Club América vs. Austin FC | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Cruz Azul vs. Chicago Fire FC | 9:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Portland Timbers vs. Club Tijuana | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Univision |
Knockout Stage schedule
| Round | Dates | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinals | Aug. 25-27 | TBA | Apple TV |
| Semifinals | Sept. 1-2 | TBA | Apple TV |
| Third-Place Match | Sunday, Sept. 6 | TBA | Apple TV |
| Leagues Cup Final | Sunday, Sept. 6 | TBA | Apple TV |
Best TV plans for watching the Leagues Cup
Because Apple TV carries every Leagues Cup match, the best service depends on whether you want complete tournament coverage or a traditional live TV package. Here are my top recommendations for both viewing styles.
Best Overall: Apple TV
Apple TV ($12.99/mo.) is the single best way to watch the Leagues Cup. Every match is included with a standard subscription, so you no longer need a separate MLS add-on. That gives you live streams and full-match replays for all 62 matches without local blackout restrictions.
In my experience testing soccer streams on Apple TV, the sharp picture quality, reliable frame rates, and seamless interface make it the standard for soccer broadcasting. The service also offers English- and Spanish-language commentary, with French available for select matches, alongside pregame and postgame studio coverage.
Best Live TV Service: Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV ($88.99–$99.99/mo.) is my top recommendation for fans who prefer a traditional channel bundle. Its base lineup includes the FOX Sports and TelevisaUnivision channels needed to watch select Leagues Cup broadcasts, including FOX, FS1, Univision, UniMás, and TUDN, though channel availability varies by location.
Apple TV remains the better choice for complete tournament coverage, and Hulu + Live TV’s higher price makes the most sense for viewers seeking a full cable replacement. But its extensive soccer lineup supports year-round viewing, while included ESPN Unlimited access adds competitions like La Liga and college soccer. You also get Disney+ for additional entertainment between matchdays.
How to watch the Leagues Cup for free
While complete tournament coverage requires a subscription, new Apple TV subscribers can use the service’s seven-day free trial to watch several Leagues Cup matchdays without paying for a full month. Anyone who recently purchased an eligible new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV device may also qualify for three free months.
Select linear broadcasts may also be available free with an over-the-air antenna. Any match airing on a local FOX, Univision, or UniMás station can be picked up without a TV subscription if that channel is available in your area. An antenna will not provide access to cable networks such as FS1 or TUDN, and live TV streaming trials will cover only the tournament’s select linear broadcasts — not every match.
How to watch the Leagues Cup FAQ
How does the Leagues Cup work?
Each of the 36 clubs plays three Phase One matches against teams from the opposing league, with penalty shootouts deciding tied games. The top four MLS clubs and top four Liga MX clubs then advance to an eight-team, single-elimination bracket.
How are MLS teams selected for the Leagues Cup?
All 18 Liga MX teams participate, while MLS sends 18 qualifying clubs. For the 2026 tournament, the nine teams from each MLS conference that reached the 2025 playoffs earned entry.
Do I need MLS Season Pass to watch the Leagues Cup?
No, Apple discontinued the MLS Season Pass add-on after the 2025 season. All Leagues Cup coverage is now included with a standard Apple TV subscription.
Who are the announcers for the Leagues Cup?
Apple TV rotates several dedicated broadcast crews across the tournament. Primary English teams feature play-by-play veteran Jake Zivin with analyst Taylor Twellman, and Joe Tolleson with Greg Vanney. Spanish-language broadcasts include top teams like Sammy Sadovnik and Eduardo Biscayart.
Can I watch Leagues Cup replays on demand?
Yes, every match is available for instant on-demand replay on Apple TV right after the final whistle. You don't need a DVR to watch full replays or condensed highlights. For games airing on FOX or Univision, you can set them to record using your live TV provider's cloud DVR.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com contributing writer, Ian McLaren, researched the streaming and traditional TV options for this year’s Leagues Cup. He then cross-referenced those viewing requirements with our resources covering cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services. His recommendations prioritize ease of use, pricing, and overall match availability to help soccer fans find the most convenient way to watch.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
