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CONCACAF Champions Cup

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is an annual club soccer competition organized by CONCACAF for teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is an annual club soccer competition organized by CONCACAF for teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It was first held in 1962 as the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, later ran as the CONCACAF Champions League, and returned to the Champions Cup name in 2023 for a revamped format. The tournament is the top-tier club competition for CONCACAF member associations.

History

The tournament began in 1962 as the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. It has changed format and branding several times since then, including a period as the CONCACAF Champions League. On 6 June 2023, CONCACAF announced the return to the CONCACAF Champions Cup name.

Format

The competition is CONCACAF’s premier club tournament and features teams from across the confederation. Under the current format, 27 clubs participate starting in 2024. Canadian clubs can qualify through CONCACAF competition.

Records and champions

The competition has produced multiple champions from several countries, with Mexican clubs winning the largest share of titles. Club América and Cruz Azul share the record for most championships at seven each. The current champion is Deportivo Toluca (2026). Mexican clubs from Liga MX have been the most successful participants.

Recent editions

The tournament continued under its restored Champions Cup name beginning with the 2024 edition. Recent champions include Pachuca, Cruz Azul, and Deportivo Toluca.

Key facts

  • It is the top-tier club competition for CONCACAF member associations.
  • The competition began in 1962, with the first match played on 25 March 1962.
  • CONCACAF announced the return to the CONCACAF Champions Cup name on 6 June 2023.
  • The tournament’s modern expanded format includes 27 teams starting in 2024.
  • Club América and Cruz Azul are tied for the most titles at seven each.
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Canadian context

Canadian clubs can qualify through CONCACAF competition, and Canadian teams such as Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC have participated in the tournament.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CONCACAF Champions Cup?
It is the top club soccer competition organized by CONCACAF for teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
When did it begin?
The competition began in 1962, originally as the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
Why did the name change?
It was rebranded as the CONCACAF Champions League and later renamed back to CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2023 for the new format.
How many teams take part?
The current format uses 27 teams.
Which club has won the most titles?
Club América and Cruz Azul are tied for the most titles, with seven each.
Who is the current champion?
Deportivo Toluca are the 2026 champions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CONCACAF_Champions_Cup
    Supports: Tournament history, former names, founding year, and champions.
  2. CONCACAF — https://www.concacaf.com/champions-cup/news/the-champions-cup-history-1962-1980/
    Supports: Founding details and first match information.
  3. CONCACAF — https://www.concacaf.com/champions-cup/news/facts-and-figures-on-the-concacaf-champions-cup/
    Supports: Number of teams and competition facts.
  4. CONCACAF — https://www.concacaf.com/champions-cup/news/the-champions-cup-history-2000-2024
    Supports: Recent-era competition history and the Champions League period.