PHOENIX, Ariz. — The countdown to Leagues Cup 2026 is officially underway, and media members looking to cover North America’s biggest club competition are running out of time to secure credentials.
Tournament organizers have opened the media accreditation process for this year’s competition, with applications for tournament credentials due Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m. ET.
Leagues Cup returns for its fourth edition after a historic summer of soccer across North America, bringing together 18 Liga MX clubs and 18 qualified MLS teams in a month-long tournament that will run from Aug. 4 through Sept. 6.
Two-Step Credential Process
Unlike regular league matches, media members must complete a two-stage application process to gain access.
The first step is obtaining an approved tournament credential. Once approved, journalists, photographers, and media outlets must then submit separate requests for each individual match they plan to cover.
Receiving tournament approval does not automatically guarantee access to matches, as all game-day credentials remain subject to venue capacity and approval.
Important Deadlines for Match Requests
Media approved for tournament credentials will still need to meet additional deadlines throughout the competition.
For Phase One matches, credential requests must generally be submitted at least three days before kickoff, while matches hosted at Nu Stadium require requests five days in advance.
Knockout-round requests will have a separate deadline two days before each match.
Tournament organizers also confirmed that late applications or changes will not be accepted, making it important for media members to plan their tournament coverage early.
Guidelines for Working Media
Leagues Cup reiterated several important policies for accredited media.
Regular-season MLS and Liga MX credentials will not grant tournament access, although club and league media applications will receive expedited review.
Photographers granted field access must use professional equipment, while freelance photographers and agencies must provide proof they are working on assignment for a recognized media outlet.
Additionally, all accredited media are expected to remain apparel-neutral while working and must follow tournament media regulations throughout the event.
One of North America’s Premier Club Competitions
Since launching in 2023, Leagues Cup has quickly grown into one of the continent’s marquee soccer tournaments, showcasing the rivalry between Major League Soccer and Liga MX while offering clubs a pathway to international competition.
The tournament’s top three finishers qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup, with the champion earning an opportunity to represent the region in future FIFA club competitions.
With world-class talent expected across both leagues following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this year’s tournament promises another month of high-profile matchups as MLS and Liga MX continue their growing rivalry.
For media members, however, the first match starts long before kickoff—with the credential application.
