Exciting Changes Ahead: Leagues Cup 2025 Format Unveiled

The Leagues Cup 2025 is set to bring a thrilling new format to soccer fans, featuring more interleague matches between Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX clubs. Kicking off on July 29 and running through August 31, this tournament promises to enhance the competitive spirit and showcase the best of North American soccer.

Key Takeaways

• Tournament Dates: July 29 – August 31, 2025
• Participating Teams: 36 clubs (18 from MLS and 18 from LIGA MX)
• Format: Two phases – Phase One and Knockout Rounds
• Qualification: Top teams from previous seasons will compete
• Broadcasting: Matches available in over 100 countries

Overview Of The Tournament

The Leagues Cup 2025 will feature an exciting new format that emphasizes interleague competition. This year, the tournament will consist of 36 clubs, with 18 teams from each league. The competition will take place in the United States and Canada, providing fans with a unique opportunity to witness top-tier soccer.

Tournament Structure

The tournament will be divided into two main phases:

1. Phase One: Each club will play three consecutive matches against teams from the opposite league. This phase will run from July 29 to August 7, featuring a total of 54 matches.
2. Knockout Rounds: The top four clubs from each league-specific table will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.

Participating Clubs

The Leagues Cup 2025 will include:

• 18 LIGA MX Teams
• 18 MLS Teams: The top nine teams from each MLS conference that participated in the previous season’s playoffs will qualify. Notably, the new MLS expansion club, San Diego FC, will replace the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Match Format

• Regional Divisions: Clubs will be divided into two regions (Eastern and Western), with each region containing three tiers based on their performance in the previous season.
• Points System: Teams will earn points in their league-specific tables. A win in regulation time will earn three points, while a draw will yield one point for each team. If a match ends in a tie, a penalty shootout will determine the winner, awarding an additional point.

Knockout Rounds

Following Phase One, the top four clubs from each league will enter the knockout rounds:

• Quarterfinals: Matchups will be determined based on Phase One performance, ensuring that MLS and LIGA MX teams face off.
• Semifinals and Finals: The tournament will conclude with a third-place match and a final, determining the three clubs that qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Broadcasting Information

Fans can catch all the action through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, with additional coverage from TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS. This extensive broadcasting reach will allow soccer enthusiasts from over 100 countries to enjoy the matches live.

Conclusion

The Leagues Cup 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in North American soccer, with its new format designed to enhance competition and fan engagement. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and rivalry between MLS and LIGA MX clubs.

Sources

• Leagues Cup 2025 Announces New Competition Format to Feature More Interleague MLS vs. LIGA MX Matches | Inter Miami CF, Inter Miami CF.
• Leagues Cup 2025 format & competition details: What to know | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
• Leagues Cup 2025 Announces New Competition Format to Feature More Interleague MLS vs. LIGA MX Matches | New York City FC, New York City FC.