The following MLS clubs have qualified for the 2023 Concacaf Champions League.
TEAM |
QUALIFYING METHOD |
|---|---|
Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
2022 Canadian Championship champs |
Orlando City SC |
2022 US Open Cup champions |
LAFC^ |
2022 MLS Supporters’ Shield winner |
Philadelphia Union^ |
2022 Non-MLS Cup winning Conference champ |
LAFC or PHI |
2022 MLS Cup champion |
^ NOTE: Since LAFC or PHI will win MLS Cup and take that slot, Austin FC will fill a slot opened by PHI or LAFC. (ATX are fourth in the Supporter's Shield table, but the third USA-based club)
Qualification path
- Supporters' Shield: LAFC are the regular-season champions in MLS, clinching their spot in Week 33 via a 2-1 win at the Portland Timbers.
- Regular-season champion: With LAFC finishing atop the Western Conference table, the Philadelphia Union are the other conference winner via the East.
- US Open Cup: Orlando City SC won the 2022 US Open Cup against USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC, earning a 3-0 victory on Sept. 7 at Exploria Stadium.
- Canadian Championship: Vancouver Whitecaps FC qualified after defeating Toronto FC in penalty kicks in the 2022 Canadian Championship on July 26.
- Next-best: Austin FC are the highest-ranked US-based MLS club not already qualified. CF Montréal, third in the overall league table and above Austin (fourth), were unable to get that spot since they’re based in Canada, per CCL rules.
Up to five teams from MLS can qualify for the regional competition, two via national cups and three via their league performance.
2023 Concacaf Champions League
The tournament will feature 16 teams from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Its winner reaches the FIFA Club World Cup.
MLS is home to the defending champions after Seattle Sounders FC recorded a historic victory in May, beating Pumas UNAM to end a dominant stretch from Liga MX teams.
The following non-MLS teams will also compete in the 2023 tournament, the final year before a reimagined competition launches in 2024 with 27 teams and incorporates Leagues Cup qualifiers.
- Mexico: Atlas, Tigres UANL, Club Leon, Pachuca
- Haiti: Violette (2022 Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship)
- 6 qualifiers from the 2022 Concacaf League
TEAM |
QUALIFYING METHOD |
|---|---|
Atlas |
Apertura 2021 champs & Clausura 2022 champs |
UANL |
Best ranked LIGA MX team on aggregate table |
León |
Apertura 2021 runners-up |
Pachuca |
Clausura 2022 runners-up |
Orlando City SC |
2022 US Open Cup champions |
LAFC |
2022 MLS Cup champions or 2022 MLS Supporters' Shield champions |
Philadelphia Union |
2022 MLS Cup champions or 2022 Eastern Conference regular-season champions |
Austin FC |
Highest-ranked US-based MLS club not already qualified |
Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
2022 Canadian Championship champs |
Violette (Haiti) |
2022 Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship champs |
Alajuelense (Costa Rica) |
2022 Concacaf League finalist |
Olimpia (Honduras) |
2022 Concacaf League finalist |
Real España (Honduras) |
2022 Concacaf League better ranked losing semi-finalists (3rd overall) |
Motagua (Honduras) |
2022 Concacaf League worse ranked losing semi-finalists (4th overall) |
Alianza (El Salvador) |
2022 Concacaf League best ranked losing quarter-finalists (5th overall) |
Tauro (Panama) |
2022 Concacaf League 2nd best ranked losing quarter-finalists (6th overall) |
2023 schedule, draw
The 16-team tournament features two-legged matchups at each stage, as capped by the Final’s second leg on June 4. The overall winner will represent Concacaf at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
- Round of 16: March 7-9 (first legs) and March 14-16 (second legs)
- Quarterfinals: April 4-6 (first legs) and April 11-13 (second legs)
- Semifinals: April 25-27 (first legs) and May 2-4 (second legs)
- Final: May 31 (first leg) and June 4 (second leg)
The official draw is set for Nov. 7 in Miami, Florida and will be conducted using a double-blind system and four pots.
