The Leagues Cup 2025 is set to bring a fresh and more intense competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, introducing a new format, updated rules, and a trimmed list of participating teams. Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s changing, which clubs will compete, and how the tournament will play out this year.
What Is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual tournament that pits top clubs from MLS and Liga MX against each other in a unique cross-border showdown. First introduced in 2019, the tournament has grown in popularity and scale — and the 2025 edition brings the biggest format changes yet.
What’s New in Leagues Cup 2025?
1. Reduced Number of Teams: 36 Clubs
In a major shift, the 2025 edition will feature 36 total clubs:
- 18 teams from Liga MX
- 18 teams from MLS
This is a step down from the 47 teams that participated in 2023 and 2024, but it’s designed to increase the quality of matchups and reduce scheduling conflicts.
2. Revised Qualification Criteria
- Liga MX: All 18 clubs from Mexico’s top division are automatically included.
- MLS: Only the 18 teams that qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs will participate. This makes qualification performance-based, adding more prestige and competitiveness.
New Tournament Format in 2025
The 2025 Leagues Cup introduces a more refined structure to maximize inter-league matchups and minimize early exits caused by teams facing clubs from the same league.
Group Phase with Inter-League Focus
Each club will play 3 group-stage matches, all against teams from the opposite league. This means:
- MLS teams only face Liga MX teams, and vice versa.
- No intra-league clashes in the group stage.
New Points System
Matches will follow a revised points system:
- 3 points for a win in regular time
- 2 points for a win via penalty shootout
- 1 point for a penalty shootout loss
This setup encourages attacking play and competitive games.
Two Conferences: East and West
Teams will be split into East and West Conferences, similar to MLS structure. After the group stage:
- Top 4 teams from each conference will advance to the knockout rounds.
- The knockout bracket will be designed to maximize cross-league matchups, even in later rounds.
Tournament Schedule: Dates to Know
- Start Date: July 29, 2025
- End Date: August 31, 2025
Knockout Rounds Shifted to Midweek
From the quarterfinals onward, matches will be held during midweek slots, allowing MLS and Liga MX to resume weekend league play — a big change compared to previous editions where leagues were paused entirely.
What to Expect from Leagues Cup 2025
The updated structure offers several improvements:
- More balanced competition with fewer teams but higher-quality matchups.
- No early same-league clashes, ensuring more Liga MX vs. MLS battles.
- Better scheduling, reducing fixture congestion for clubs.
- Higher stakes, as only the best-performing MLS teams qualify.
Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, especially with teams like Club América, Chivas, Inter Miami, LAFC, and more in the mix.
Where to Watch Leagues Cup 2025
All matches will be available on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, which has exclusive streaming rights. Additional broadcasts may be available on local networks in the U.S. and Mexico.
The Leagues Cup 2025 format is a major upgrade for fans and clubs alike. By focusing on competitive balance, more inter-league matches, and a tighter schedule, this edition promises to be the most entertaining and efficient yet.
Whether you’re backing your local MLS side or cheering for your favorite Liga MX team, this year’s Leagues Cup will be one to remember.
Stay tuned to Profaves.com for full coverage, match previews, and player stories from the 2025 Leagues Cup.
