After growing pressure from fans and clubs—especially those in Mexico—the Leagues Cup is officially returning in 2025, but this time with a brand-new format. The tournament organizers have confirmed that major changes are on the way, aiming to address the concerns that surrounded previous editions.
Leagues Cup 2025 Dates and Location
The 2025 Leagues Cup will be held from July 29 to August 31. Just like in recent years, all matches will take place in the United States and Canada.
No games will be played in Mexico, meaning Liga MX clubs will need to travel north every time they compete.
What’s Changing in the 2025 Leagues Cup?
Fans and clubs alike had long voiced concerns about the previous tournament structure. Many felt that the schedule was disruptive, travel demands were excessive, and domestic leagues were unfairly paused. Here’s what’s changing:
1. Matches Will Be Played Midweek
Both MLS and Liga MX will no longer pause their seasons. Instead, Leagues Cup matches will take place during the week, allowing domestic leagues to continue uninterrupted.
This move is aimed at reducing the impact on regular-season fixtures, which has been a major point of frustration for both fans and coaches.
2. Reduced Travel and Time Away
Mexican clubs will no longer need to spend long stretches of time abroad. Instead of staying in the U.S. or Canada for a month, teams will travel for single midweek games and return, much like the structure of the UEFA Champions League.
Mikel Arriola, Liga MX president and FMF interim commissioner, stated:
“We are going to play more of a Champions League style… We are no longer going to concentrate there.”
This change is a direct response to the Mexican clubs’ request for less travel fatigue and more control over their schedules.
3. Fewer Double Matchdays
Another improvement will be the reduction of double matchdays, helping clubs better manage player fitness and match preparation across multiple competitions.
What Stays the Same?
Despite the changes, some key features remain:
- Three CONCACAF Champions Cup spots are still up for grabs: awarded to the top three teams in the tournament (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers).
- The competition continues to be held in the summer, making it a crucial part of the North American soccer calendar.
What We Still Don’t Know
As of now, not all the details have been released. Here’s what we’re still waiting to find out:
- Which clubs will participate
- How the group stage and knockout rounds will be structured
- The official draw process and full match schedule
According to the Leagues Cup Committee, more information will be shared in early 2025, including the finalized tournament format and list of participating teams.
Why These Changes Matter
The Leagues Cup is a unique tournament that showcases MLS vs Liga MX head-to-head matchups, offering fans in North America a true cross-border competition. But for the format to succeed, it must balance competitiveness, player welfare, and club logistics.
By introducing midweek matches, reducing travel, and aligning more closely with Champions League-style scheduling, the 2025 edition promises to be more fan-friendly and club-friendly than ever before.
The return of the Leagues Cup in 2025—with a more refined and responsive format—could be a big step forward for North American soccer. While we’re still waiting on some of the finer details, the early signs suggest the tournament is finally listening to its most important voices: the fans and the clubs.
Stay tuned for updates in early 2025, when we’ll learn more about the teams, format, and full schedule.
