The 2024 edition of the Leagues Cup is just around the corner, and defending champions Inter Miami, with captain Lionel Messi’s participation in doubt due to an ankle injury, will seek to retain the title.
With the Argentinian in the squad last year, Inter Miami thrashed MLS sides Charlotte (4-0) in the quarterfinals and Philadelphia (4-1) in the semifinals. In the final, they faced Nashville, and after a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, the match was decided in a breathtaking penalty shootout, which ended 10-9 for Inter Miami.
In this new edition, what’s at stake is something not to be missed: a ticket for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup and, therefore, a chance (by winning) to qualify for the new 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
How many teams are participating in the 2024 Leagues Cup?
The 2024 Leagues Cup will feature 47 teams from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, divided into 15 groups of three. The Leagues Cup games will be played in two regions: East (seven groups) and West (eight groups).
30 teams from the group stage will qualify for the round of 32. They will join league champions Colombus Crew (MLS) and Club América (Liga MX), who automatically advanced to the next round.
How much money does the 2024 Leagues Cup winner get?
This edition of the League Cup will have a total prize purse of $40 million, which will be distributed throughout the tournament. What’s more, each team will earn $100,000 from participating and $50,000 for every game won.
Last year’s winners, Inter Miami, were awarded $2 million for winning the competition, while Nashville obtained $1 million. However, the Leagues Cup prize is more modest compared to other international club tournaments. For instance, the Copa Libertadores, South America’s biggest club competition, will award $23 million to the winner, $5 million more than last year’s victor, Fluminense, were given.
Conversely, the Copa Sudamericana will offer $6 million to the winner and $2 million to the title-runner, the same amount the Leagues Cup winner gets!
