Exciting Changes Ahead: Leagues Cup 2025 Format Unveiled

The Leagues Cup 2025 is set to bring a fresh and exciting 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 total, including 18 from MLS and 18 from LIGA MX
• New Format: Two phases – Phase One and Knockout Rounds
• Qualification: Top nine teams from each MLS Conference qualify based on previous season performance
• Broadcasting: Matches available in over 100 countries via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Overview Of The New Format

The 2025 edition of the Leagues Cup will feature a revamped structure designed to maximize interleague competition. The tournament will consist of two main phases:

1. Phase One: Each club will play three consecutive matches against teams from the opposite league. This phase will include a total of 54 matches, all featuring MLS vs. LIGA MX matchups.
2. Knockout Rounds: The top four clubs from each league-specific table will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in a single-elimination format.

Participating Clubs

The tournament will see 36 clubs competing, with 18 from each league. The qualification criteria are as follows:

• MLS Teams: The top nine teams from each conference based on the previous season’s performance.
• LIGA MX Teams: All 18 teams will participate.

Regional Tiers

Clubs will be divided into two regions (Eastern and Western), with each region containing three tiers:

• Tier 1: Teams ranked 1-3 from each league
• Tier 2: Teams ranked 4-6 from each league
• Tier 3: Teams ranked 7-9 from each league

This tiered system aims to create balanced matchups and enhance competition.

Points System

The tournament will maintain a unique points system:

• Win: 3 points
• Draw: 1 point (if tied after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will determine the winner, earning an additional point)

This system will apply to both leagues, allowing teams to compete in their league-specific tables while also vying for advancement in the tournament.

Broadcast Information

Fans can look forward to watching all matches in over 100 countries through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Additionally, select matches will be broadcast on networks such as TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS.

Conclusion

The Leagues Cup 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling event for soccer enthusiasts, with its new format promising more interleague action and competitive spirit. As the tournament approaches, fans can expect exciting matchups and a showcase of talent from both MLS and LIGA MX clubs. Stay tuned for further updates on match schedules and participating teams!

Sources

• Real Salt Lake Learns New 2025 Leagues Cup Format | Real Salt Lake, Real Salt Lake.
• Leagues Cup 2025 Announces New Competition Format to Feature More Interleague MLS vs. LIGA MX Matches | Inter Miami CF, Inter Miami CF.
• Inter Miami CF’s 2025 Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup Participation Confirmed as MLS Announces North American Cup Competition Qualifications | Inter Miami CF, Inter Miami CF.