Concacaf Champions Cup explained: How MLS teams qualify via Leagues Cup

Of the 27 teams competing in next year’s CCC, up to 10 MLS teams can qualify via different pathways – just over one-third of MLS’s 29 overall teams (34%).

From the participating CCC field, 22 teams will begin play in Round One and five will receive a bye to the Round of 16 (including Leagues Cup and MLS Cup champions)

As potentially three more MLS teams join Vancouver via their Leagues Cup success, the spotlight shifts to Lionel Messi and Miami. All the Herons need is one more win and they’ll become first-time CCC participants.

Another MLS slot will be known on Sept. 27, when the US Open Cup final is contested. Houston Dynamo FC vs. Real Salt Lake and FC Cincinnati vs. Miami are all in contention following Aug. 23 semifinals – giving Messi another potential route into the 2024 CCC.

For Messi & Co., MLS Cup is another potential route – though they’ll need to make up a sizable gap in the Eastern Conference table to qualify for the playoffs. The Herons, based on form before their summertime squad makeover, are in 15th place (each conference’s top nine teams qualify). They have 12 games to go and are 12 points back from the current playoff line.