Liga MX Dominates Concachampions & Eyes 2029 Club World Cup
Mexican clubs have historically dominated the CONCACAF Champions Cup – often referred to as the Concachampions – winning 66% of all editions of the regional ‘Champions League.’ In total, Mexico has secured 40 of the 60 titles awarded. This dominance is further underscored by Costa Rica holding the second-highest number of championships with six, followed by the United States and El Salvador with three each.
A Shift in Priorities
However, winning the Concachampions in 2026 is increasingly viewed as more than just a matter of prestige for Liga MX teams. It’s become a critical step toward internationalization and, crucially, qualification for the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. Toluca, the current Liga MX champion, hasn’t won the Concachampions since 2003, adding to their motivation.
“We have to show that we are also made for international tournaments,” stated Luis García, Toluca’s goalkeeper, as the Concachampions 2026 began. “The priority is both championships (Liga MX and Concachampions) and we are going for them. We have the squad to compete for both and we have to take it step by step.”
Serious Competition Ahead
Toluca is one of six Liga MX teams competing in the 2026 Concachampions, alongside América, Pumas, Monterrey, Tigres, and defending champions Cruz Azul. Toluca, as the current Mexican league champion and leader in the CONCACAF club ranking, will begin play in the round of 16. The other Mexican teams will start in the preliminary round.
Toluca’s coach, Antonio Mohamed, has emphasized that winning the Concachampions is a top priority for the club after securing back-to-back Liga MX titles. However, their recent elimination in the first round of the 2024 tournament serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
Former footballer Osvaldo Martínez, who played for América, Monterrey, and the Paraguayan national team, noted that past failures in the Concachampions have often stemmed from a lack of seriousness. “Perhaps some teams don’t take it as seriously at the beginning. Some go with their second team or with players who barely participate, but if they don’t advance, it’s a resounding failure.”
The Road to the Club World Cup
The champion of the 2026 Concachampions will earn one of four CONCACAF spots in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. In addition to the $5 million prize for the tournament winner, the competition offers a valuable platform to compete against high-profile international teams, as seen with Pachuca against Real Madrid and Monterrey against Inter Milan in 2025.
Pumas and Toluca are the only Liga MX representatives who have yet to participate in a Club World Cup, which began consistently in 2005. América, despite recent domestic success, hasn’t appeared in the tournament since 2016.
Despite these ambitions, Liga MX remains the favourite in this edition, having won 3 of the last 4 Concachampions titles (León in 2023, Pachuca in 2024, and Cruz Azul in 2025), with their only recent defeat coming in 2022 when Pumas lost to Seattle Sounders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Concachampions titles have been won by Liga MX teams?
Liga MX teams have won 66% of all Concachampions editions.
How many Concachampions titles have been won by teams from Mexico?
Teams from Mexico have won a total of 40 Concachampions titles.
What is the primary incentive for Liga MX teams to win the Concachampions in 2026?
The primary incentive is to secure a spot in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2029.
As Liga MX teams prepare for the 2026 Concachampions, will a renewed focus on international competition translate into sustained success on the global stage?