Discover everything about the Recopa Sudamericana: its history, champions, key statistics, interesting facts and clubs that made history in this continental title.
Home
»
Championships
»
ALL ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP (MLS VS LIGA MX CHAMPION)
The Campeones Cup is more than just a game: it's a clash of two of the continent's footballing powerhouses. Since its debut in 2018, this annual tournament has pitted the MLS champion against the Liga MX champion, becoming one of the most closely followed rivalries among North American soccer fans. In this article, we explore its history, the clubs that have participated, their achievements, striking statistics, and interesting facts that every fan should know. If you're passionate about soccer, keep reading, because this is for you.
How the Campeones Cup Was Born
The Campeones Cup was born as a joint initiative between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX to strengthen the soccer relationship between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament was announced in 2018 as part of a strategic alliance between both leagues that sought to foster competitiveness, the visibility of their teams, and the commercial development of soccer in North America.
This annual tournament pits the MLS Cup winner against the Liga MX Campeón del Campeón (that is, the winner between the champions of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments). If a team wins the title in Mexico twice, it automatically represents the country in this match. Since its first edition, it has been played in the United States or Canada, seeking to consolidate the MLS brand and capitalize on the growing Hispanic market in North America.
The tournament's first steps
The first edition was played on September 19, 2018, when Toronto FC (2017 MLS champion) faced Tigres UANL (2018 Campeón de Campeones). Tigres took the victory 3-1, setting the competitive tone that would characterize the tournament.
Unlike the Leagues Cup, which involves more teams from both leagues, the Campeones Cup has a single-match, but high-voltage, format. The pride of two leagues and the passion of millions of fans are at stake.
Year of creation: 2018
Format: Single match
Participants: MLS Champion vs. Liga MX Campeón de Campeones
Venue: Canada or the United States
Organized by: MLS and Liga MX
The Campeones Cup also reflects the growing integration between the leagues, as seen in other shared projects such as the MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game or the expansion of the Leagues Cup with more clubs and prizes economical.
Achievements and Featured Teams
Despite its short history, the Campeones Cup has already produced memorable moments, great players on the field, and victories that bring national pride to both sides. Seven editions have been played so far, with an interesting balance between MLS and Liga MX clubs.
MLS clubs started with difficulties, but in recent years they have managed to even the playing field, demonstrating the growth of soccer in the United States and Canada. Columbus Crew, Atlanta United, and New York City FC have been crowned champions of this tournament, with resounding victories against Mexican giants like Cruz Azul and América.
Clubs with outstanding participation
Tigres UANL: First champion in 2018 and always competitive.
Cruz Azul: Represented Mexico strongly, although they fell to Columbus.
Columbus Crew: First MLS team to beat a Mexican club in this tournament.
New York City FC: 2022 Champion with great team football.
Club América: Participation with High expectations, though without a title. This tournament has become an opportunity for stars from both countries to compete in a competitive yet friendly environment. It also allows Mexican clubs to test themselves under different conditions, and MLS clubs to gain international experience without leaving the continent. Key Statistics and Figures: Through the 2025 edition, MLS and Liga MX teams have an even record in the tournament, with 3 titles for MLS clubs and 4 for Mexican clubs. In terms of goals, the average per game is 3.2, guaranteeing excitement every year.
Biggest win: Columbus Crew 2-0 Cruz Azul (2021)
Tournament top scorer: Lucas Zelarayán (3 goals)
Country with the most titles: Mexico (4)
Last champion: LAFC (2025)
Total number of goals: 21 in 7 games
Tournament Facts and Legacy
The Campeones Cup has not only created a new soccer tradition, but has also served as a cultural bridge between fan bases. The atmosphere in the stadiums blends chants in Spanish and English, tacos and hot dogs, mariachis and local bands. It's North American soccer at its most diverse.
Many Latino players in MLS see this tournament as a way to "come home" by facing clubs from their native country. At the same time, Mexican footballers value the opportunity to shine on American soil in front of local fans and scouts from other leagues.
Things you might not know
It wasn't played in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some MLS teams have broken local attendance records with this match.
It's the only official tournament between clubs from both countries with a "super cup" format.
It has been broadcast in more than 30 countries.
There's talk of including the Canadian champion in future editions.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
