CONCACAF on Thursday announced a brand new format for its flagship competition, the Champions League, which will give 50 clubs from North America, Central America and the Caribbean the chance to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
From autumn 2023, CONCACAF will organize a group phase per region. For North America (Canada, United States and Mexico), 20 teams separated into four groups may participate in the initial phase.
Each club will play four games, two at home and two abroad, and the top two teams from each section will advance to the round of 32. Three teams drafted from North America will also have their place in the next phase.
On the Central American side, four of the 20 clubs involved will advance to the next round and in the Caribbean, only one in 10 organizations will have the opportunity to win the Champions League.
In the spring of 2024 will be held the main draw. All matches will consist of two matches and the winner will be determined by total goals. Only the final will be a one-night stand.
The qualifying system remains largely the same, as teams will be able to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League through their performances in their home league or by winning a domestic tournament.
The confederation has also announced the creation of new tournaments dedicated to Central America and the Caribbean.
The Champions League winner will defend CONCACAF’s honor at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 2020 winners are the UANL Tigers, who defeated Los Angeles City FC in the final on December 22.
