On Sunday night, the Fire will be facing Sporting Kansas City in their first of two group stage matches of this year’s edition of Leagues Cup 2024.
Last year, the Fire came away with a 3-2 road victory against Minnesota United FC on July 27, 2023. Four days later, the Fire drew before falling in penalties against Liga MX side, Club Puebla, 1-1 to win their group and advance to the knockout stage.
After a defeat to Mexican giant, Club América, the Fire had their first real glimpse into the newest competition after making it to the Round of 32.
This year, it’s another large group stage style tournament – comprised of all 47 teams between Major League Soccer and Liga MX. The tournament will comprise 77 matches, two leagues, and three countries to determine the best club in North America.
With Leagues Cup 2024 rapidly approaching, let’s break down everything you need to know about the second edition of the international competition.
How does Leagues Cup differ from other international tournaments?
Similar to last season, Leagues Cup 2024 follows the format of the FIFA World Cup. So, there are three teams in each group with the top seeds automatically advancing to the knockout stage.
However, the main difference between Leagues Cup and other international competitions is that NO matches will end in a draw. If a match is tied after regulation, both teams will face each other in a penalty shootout to determine which side gets an additional point in the table.
Like last year, only a victory in regulation guarantees a full three points.
Only two teams have automatically qualified for the knockout stage; Columbus Crew and Club América, winners of their respective leagues in 2023.
All other teams will fight for the 2-16 seed in each end of the bracket, split between the East and the West. Once the tournament makes it the knockout stage – it's win or go home.
How would Leagues Cup affect the Fire?
Leagues Cup 2024 serves as a unique opportunity for the Fire to compete for a prestigious trophy.
Since the team's arrival to MLS in 1998, the Fire have participated in various international competitions, including the CONCACAF SuperLiga where they finished as runner-up in 2009, and the 2019 Leagues Cup, a prior version of the competition.
Should the Fire capture the 2024 Leagues Cup title, it would be the Club’s seventh major championship (One MLS Cup, one Supporter’s Shield, and four U.S. Open Cups).
Additionally, the two finalists of Leagues Cup 2024, along with the third-place winner, earn automatic bids into the CONCACAF Champions Cup competition. The winner of the tournament goes straight to the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup.
If the Fire qualify for the Champions Cup - it would be the Club’s first appearance in the competition since 2004, and just the fourth time the Club would participate in CONCACAF’s premier club competition in North America.
How can you watch?
All 77 Leagues Cup 2024 matches can be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
The Men in Red will commence play on the road against MLS side Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, July 28 at 8 p.m. CT. You can stream that match here.
Four days later, the Fire will face Liga MX side, Deportivo Toluca F.C. on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. CT at SeatGeek Stadium. Tickets to attend the Fire’s home match are available for purchase here.
Chicago Fire FC Group Stage schedule
July 28, 2024 – Chicago Fire FC at Sporting Kansas City at 8 p.m. CT – Childrens Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan.
Aug. 1, 2024 – Chicago Fire FC at Deportivo Toluca F.C. at 8 p.m. CT – SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill.
