Concacaf Champions Cup final: What happens if there’s a draw - extra-time or penalties?

Cruz Azul host Vancouver Whitecaps in a showdown guaranteed to deliver passion and high-stakes drama. The prize? The Concacaf Champions Cup trophy - plus a place at the 2029 Club World Cup.

As a tournament, the Concacaf Champions Cup has evolved and undergone numerous format changes since the first edition 63 years ago. The final itself was played over two legs. home and away, until last year. Now it’s just a single game with the finalist who boasts the best figures throughout the tournament having home advantage - ie. able to played at their home stadium.

Considering these recent changes, how will the match be decided if the score is level after the regulation 90 minutes plus stoppage-time is up? Away goals no longer count as double as that rule was scrapped in 2019 - not that it would be applicable in a single match.

If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the game will proceed to extra time — two halves of 15 minutes in duration. If the score remains level after 30 minutes of extra-time, the game will be decided by a penalty shootout - the best of five then instant death if required.

CONCACAF Final regulations: extra-time and penalties

Before extra time begins, a five-minute break will take place, during which players are generally expected to stay on the field at the discretion of the referee. Additionally, teams will be allowed a sixth substitution during extra time, a crucial strategic advantage.

If the match is still tied after both periods of extra time, the penalty shootout procedure will be enforced according to IFAB rules, making for a tense finish where every shot counts.

When is the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup final?

The 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup final between Cruz Azul and the Vancouver Whitecaps will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City on Sunday 1 June 2025, kicking off at 9 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. PT.

The final will be broadcast by Fox Sports and TUDN in the United States, TELUS Optik Channel 980, OneSoccer and FuboTV in Canada and Tubi in Mexico.

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