Can MLS Team Play in the Champions League

Fans often wonder if Major League Soccer (MLS) teams can play in the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious club competition in Europe. While MLS is the top league in the United States and Canada, the path to the Champions League is not direct. Instead, MLS teams play in competitions like the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. This blog explains how international competition works for MLS clubs, how they qualify, and their record against European teams.

Can an MLS Team Play in the Champions League?

The simple answer is no. MLS teams cannot qualify for the UEFA Champions League, which is the elite club tournament for teams from Europe governed by UEFA. These competitions are entirely separate because MLS clubs belong to Concacaf, the football governing body for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

UEFA competitions are only open to clubs from European associations, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga. SI

However, MLS teams can compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup (formerly called the Concacaf Champions League). This is the top continental club competition in North America. Through this tournament, MLS teams can earn a place in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they might face champions from other regions, including UEFA.

How MLS Teams Qualify for International Competition

MLS teams earn places in the Concacaf Champions Cup based on performance in their domestic season. Spots are awarded to teams that win the MLS Cup, top regular season performers, Leagues Cup participants, and winners of other qualifying tournaments. The exact number of berths and qualification rules can change from year to year, but typically involve a mix of league success and cup performance.

Winning the Concacaf Champions Cup is crucial because it can earn a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup, where clubs from every confederation including UEFA compete. This is currently the only official stage where an MLS team might face a Champions League club.

Has an MLS Team Ever Played a European Team?

Yes, but not in the UEFA Champions League. There have been rare occasions where MLS teams have faced European clubs in international competitions. Most notably in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Inter Miami defeated Portuguese club Porto 2-1, becoming the first MLS club to beat a European team in an official FIFA competition.

Inter Miami also drew with African champions Al Ahly 0-0 in the same tournament and competed in the knockout stage, showcasing that MLS teams can indeed face and sometimes beat clubs from Europe and other regions in cross-confederation tournaments.

Can Inter Miami Play in the Champions League?

Inter Miami, like all MLS teams, cannot play in the UEFA Champions League because this competition is restricted to European clubs. Instead, Miami qualifies for Concacaf international tournaments such as the Concacaf Champions Cup and occasionally the FIFA Club World Cup. In 2025, Miami’s success in Concacaf competitions and their club performance helped secure a place in the expanded Club World Cup.

Has an MLS Team Ever Beaten a European Team?

Yes. In 2025, Inter Miami achieved a milestone by beating FC Porto 2-1 at the FIFA Club World Cup, marking the first time an MLS team defeated a European club in an official competition. Robert Lewandowski’s presence at Miami alongside global stars helped create a historic moment for MLS and Concacaf football.

Could an MLS Team Beat a Premier League Team?

This question is more about potential than history. There is no record of an MLS team beating a Premier League team in an official competition because MLS and English clubs rarely meet outside friendly preseason tours. However, MLS teams can compete in tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup or future expanded intercontinental competitions, where matches against Premier League or other top European teams are possible. When such matches occur, competitiveness depends on squad quality, depth, and preparation.

Can Inter Miami Play in UEFA Champions League?

No. Inter Miami cannot play in the UEFA Champions League because this competition is restricted to European clubs. MLS belongs to Concacaf and competes in Concacaf continental competitions instead. SI

What is the Highest International Achievement for MLS Teams?

The top international club competition for MLS teams is winning the Concacaf Champions Cup. Only a few MLS clubs have ever won it, including the Seattle Sounders in 2022. Winning this tournament can lead to a place in the FIFA Club World Cup. SI

Do MLS Teams Play Against European Teams Often?

No. Matchups against European teams are rare and typically occur in friendly preseason games or, more recently, in official FIFA Club World Cup matches. The 2025 victory over Porto by Inter Miami was historic because it was the first official win over a European club.