Philadelphia Union set to host Charlotte FC and Cruz Azul in updated Leagues Cup

After a third-place finish in 2023 that secured a Concacaf Champions Cup spot, Philadelphia Union will return to the Leagues Cup with proven success.

The second year of all 47 MLS and Liga MX clubs participating includes a handful of minor changes. First and foremost, select Liga
MX clubs will be given the opportunity to host matches at predetermined stadium “hubs” set in specific U.S. cities. Additionally, the tournament has shifted from four regions to just two, which has significant implications for the knockout structure.

The tournament seeding system has also been modified, with 45 clubs (all except for defending league champions) being ranked based on accumulated points over their last 34 league games.

This is a slight change from last year, where clubs were ranked based on the previous season’s league standings and matched up accordingly. This ranking positions the Union at seventh, with opponents Charlotte FC and Cruz Azul ranked 25th and 31st, respectively.

Philadelphia Union will once again host both group matches as the highest-ranked club in the East 4 group. This year’s Leagues Cup takes place from July 26 to August 25, 2024, with group matches likely taking place in the first seven to 10 days of that window.

Dates and kickoff times will be announced in the coming months.

Cruz Azul failed to qualify for this season’s Concacaf Champions Cup, which guarantees this summer fixture will be the first meeting between the clubs. On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, Philadelphia already faces Charlotte FC on May 25 and June 22, meaning the clubs will meet three times in just two months.