Concacaf has announced that its Council has approved the criteria for how clubs will qualify for the Confederation’s expanded Concacaf Champions League (CCL) which begins in 2024.
This important announcement has been made following extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Member Associations, leagues, and clubs.
The new Concacaf Champions League will include 27 clubs and more than 50 matches as the region’s top teams compete to be crowned club champion and qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The new and expanded Concacaf Champions League will continue to be played in a direct elimination knockout stage format and will be composed of five rounds (Round One, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final).
The first four stages will each include home and away play, while the Final, where the region’s Champion will be crowned, will be played as a single leg match on a weekend date.
Due to North American clubs competing in multiple competitions which include qualification berths to the new Concacaf Champions League, the Confederation has agreed on the following regulations for clubs that finish in crossover qualification slots.
Canadian Premier League
Should a club hold multiple CCL qualification slots, then the CPL club(s) which has accumulated the most regular season league points will earn the remaining slot(s).
Canadian Championship
Should the Canadian Championship winner hold multiple CCL qualification slots, then the runner-up will fill the slot. Should the runner-up hold multiple CCL qualification slots, then the highest ranked Canadian Championship semifinalist will earn the slot.
Map of how Concacaf will allocate crossover qualification slots for the new CCL
MLS
Should one (OR more) club(s) hold multiple CCL qualification slots, then the MLS club, regardless of Conference, which has accumulated the most regular season league points will earn the slot. Under the new Concacaf Champions League format and qualification criteria, all MLS clubs (USA or Canada based) can qualify for the 2024 CCL, and future editions, through MLS slots.
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