Cruz Azul to host CONCACAF Champions Cup final after edging Vancouver Whitecaps on tournament points

Amid speculation and uncertainty over the venue for the CONCACAF Champions Cup final between Cruz Azul and the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Canadian club has confirmed that the match will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. Through their social media channels, Vancouver announced that the final will take place on Sunday, June 1.

The decision gives Cruz Azul a shot at winning an international title at a stadium where the usual home team, Pumas, hasn’t lifted a continental trophy since 1990, when they defeated Pinar del Río. While CONCACAF has yet to officially confirm the venue, the Whitecaps have already signaled their return to Mexico City—a place where they recently eliminated Pumas. Vancouver also earned a win over Monterrey earlier in the tournament, making them no strangers to success on Mexican soil.

So why is the final being held in Mexico City? The tournament’s rules leave room for interpretation. According to Article 12.8 of the CONCACAF regulations, “The final will be hosted by CONCACAF at a neutral venue.” Yet the same article adds: “At its sole discretion, CONCACAF reserves the right to award hosting rights to the club with the higher ranking as defined in section 12.12.5.”

In other words, the Confederation has full authority to choose the venue—regardless of previous precedent or the use of a points system.

Article 12.12.5 outlines how ranking is determined: it’s based on performance from the Round of 16 through the Semifinals (excluding the First Round), with total points accumulated as the primary factor. If teams are tied on points, the tie-breakers are applied in this order: superior goal difference, more goals scored, more away goals, more wins, more away wins, fewer disciplinary points, higher position in the CONCACAF Club Ranking, and finally, a drawing of lots.

As it stands, Vancouver has 10 points and a +4 goal difference—thanks in part to their two-goal win over Inter Miami. Cruz Azul overtook them by reaching 12 points and a +5 goal difference after their semifinal win over Tigres, positioning the Mexican club as the higher seed and, presumably, the host.

Cruz Azul and the Whitecaps will not only be competing for the Concacaf Champions Cup title, but also for a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 Intercontinental Cup. Alongside the $4 million prize money, the winner will gain significant sporting advantages.

Qualifying for these international tournaments also brings financial rewards—especially the Club World Cup, which offers payouts for both participation and progression through the rounds. The Intercontinental Cup, meanwhile, provides valuable experience against top teams from other regions, as seen in 2024 when Pachuca faced off against Botafogo and Real Madrid.

Led by head coach Jasper Sorensen, Vancouver is aiming to become the first Canadian club to win the Concacaf title. In previous attempts, Montreal Impact lost the 2014–15 final to Club América, and Toronto FC fell on penalties to Chivas in 2018. The Whitecaps also have the chance to become just the fourth MLS team to win the competition. DC United did it in 1998, LA Galaxy followed in 2000, and it took 22 years before the Seattle Sounders claimed the trophy in 2022 by defeating Pumas.

Cruz Azul, on the other hand, is chasing a record-tying seventh title in the competition, which would put them level with Club América as the tournament’s most successful club.

There’s still a long wait ahead before Cruz Azul and Vancouver face off in the Champions Cup final. In the meantime, both teams will need to shift their focus back to domestic competition. Cruz Azul will take on León in the Liga MX quarterfinals, which kick off on May 7 and 8. On the other hand, Vancouver will look to maintain their strong form in MLS, where they currently sit atop the Western Conference. Today, they host Real Salt Lake in Matchday 11.