When football fans hear “Champions League,” their minds immediately drift to the glowing floodlights of European stadiums, the spine-tingling UEFA anthem, and giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Manchester City battling it out for continental glory. So, when someone hears the phrase “MLS in the Champions League”, the natural response might be confusion. But here’s the thing: yes, Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs can and do participate in a Champions League — just not the UEFA one.
Let’s break it all down.
The Champions League Misunderstanding
When most people say “Champions League,” they’re referring to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) — the premier club competition in European football. It features the best teams from across Europe, determined by their domestic league standings or other UEFA competitions. Teams like Barcelona, AC Milan, Liverpool, and PSG chase the UCL trophy each year.
However, UEFA stands for the Union of European Football Associations. As such, only clubs that fall under UEFA’s jurisdiction — meaning clubs based in Europe — are eligible to compete. MLS, on the other hand, is based in the United States and Canada, which fall under CONCACAF — the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.
So no, MLS teams can’t play in the UEFA Champions League. But they do play in their own version of the Champions League: the CONCACAF Champions Cup (formerly known as the CONCACAF Champions League).
What is the CONCACAF Champions Cup?
The CONCACAF Champions Cup (CCC) is the top-tier club competition for teams in the CONCACAF region. It’s the equivalent of UEFA’s Champions League but tailored for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
This tournament brings together the best clubs from MLS, Mexico’s Liga MX, Canada’s Premier League, and various Central American and Caribbean leagues. The prize? Continental glory and a ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup, where the champion represents the entire region and faces top clubs from UEFA, CONMEBOL, AFC, and more.
How Do MLS Teams Qualify?
MLS teams have several routes into the CONCACAF Champions Cup:
MLS Cup Champion – The winner of the MLS playoffs.
Supporters’ Shield Winner – The team with the best regular-season record.
Other Conference Winner – The team that wins the other conference (if not already qualified).
U.S. Open Cup Champion – The domestic cup competition winner in the U.S.
Canadian Championship Winner – For Canadian teams, like Toronto FC or CF Montréal.
With the expanded format in 2024, up to 9 MLS teams can qualify for the tournament, depending on league performance and cup outcomes.
Notable MLS Performances
Though Liga MX teams historically dominated the tournament, MLS clubs have started making serious waves in recent years.
Seattle Sounders (2022) – Seattle made history by becoming the first MLS team to win the modern-format CONCACAF Champions League, defeating Mexico’s Pumas UNAM in the final. It was a landmark moment that signaled a new era for North American soccer.
LAFC (2020 & 2023) – LAFC made two impressive runs to the final, though they fell short both times against Liga MX opposition. Their consistent performances have shown that MLS clubs are narrowing the competitive gap.
Toronto FC (2018) – The Canadian side reached the final and pushed Chivas Guadalajara to penalties, only to fall agonizingly short.
These performances aren’t just great for the clubs involved — they signal the growing quality, depth, and ambition of MLS as a whole.
MLS vs. Liga MX: A Rivalry Reignited
One of the most exciting dynamics in the CONCACAF Champions Cup is the MLS vs. Liga MX rivalry. For decades, Mexican clubs had the upper hand, but the tide is slowly turning.
This rivalry is now supercharged thanks to the Leagues Cup, a new competition introduced in 2023 where every MLS and Liga MX team participates. It’s helping both leagues sharpen their competitive edges and create unforgettable matches for fans across North America.
The increasing intensity of these cross-border matchups is helping MLS clubs get accustomed to high-stakes international play — and it shows when CCC rolls around.
What About the UEFA Champions League? Could It Ever Happen?
Let’s dream for a moment.
Could MLS clubs ever play in the UEFA Champions League?
In the current setup: no. UEFA’s rules are clear — clubs must be from its member associations (i.e., Europe). MLS, under CONCACAF’s umbrella, doesn’t qualify. Even Canadian MLS teams like Toronto FC can’t sneak in through a loophole; Canada is still under CONCACAF.
The only scenario where this changes is massive restructuring — something so big it would shake the foundations of global football. Think global super leagues, major federation mergers, or a revolutionary tournament format that includes top clubs from around the world. These are speculative at best.
So for now, the UEFA Champions League will remain a Europe-only affair.
But Here’s the Good News
MLS does play in a Champions League. It’s called the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and it’s getting better every year. MLS teams are improving, Liga MX teams are still world-class, and the smaller Central American and Caribbean clubs are adding flair and unpredictability to the tournament.
And most importantly, fans get to witness dramatic, passionate, and high-stakes football that showcases the very best of North America.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Journey Begins at Home
While MLS clubs can’t play in the UEFA Champions League, they’re firmly part of their own version — and they’re making strides toward becoming consistent contenders. The success of teams like Seattle, LAFC, and Toronto shows that the level is rising.
As MLS continues to grow in stature, investment, and international recognition, its performance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup will be a key benchmark. And who knows? With the Club World Cup expanding in 2025 and global interest in soccer booming, we might see MLS teams competing with Europe’s best more often than we think — even if not in the UEFA Champions League itself.
So next time someone asks, “Can MLS play in the Champions League?” you’ll know exactly what to say:
“Yes — just not the UEFA one. But watch out… we’re getting closer.”
