Inter Miami Kicks Off Exciting Preseason Tour Across Latin America 
In 2025, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams will have the opportunity to compete in four prestigious North American cup competitions: the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and the Canadian Championship. This expanded participation marks a significant moment for the league, as all 30 MLS clubs will be involved in at least one of these tournaments, providing fans with thrilling matchups and showcasing the talent across the league.
Key Takeaways
- All 30 MLS teams will participate in North American cup competitions in 2025.
- The tournaments include the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Canadian Championship.
- The qualification criteria for these tournaments have been updated to enhance competition and manage player workload.
Overview Of The Competitions
The 2025 season will see MLS clubs competing in the following tournaments:
- Concacaf Champions Cup: 10 MLS clubs will participate, with matches starting on February 4 and concluding on June 1.
- Leagues Cup: 18 MLS clubs will face off against 18 Liga MX teams from July 29 to August 31.
- Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: 16 MLS teams will enter in the Round of 32, with 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams joining in the First Round.
- Canadian Championship: All three Canadian-based MLS clubs will compete.
Participation Breakdown
MLS Teams in Each Competition
| Competition | MLS Teams Participating |
|---|---|
| Concacaf Champions Cup | LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, and 8 other MLS teams |
| Leagues Cup | Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, FC Cincinnati, and 15 other MLS teams |
| Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | Austin FC, D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, and 13 other MLS teams |
| Canadian Championship | Toronto FC, CF Montréal, Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
Qualification Criteria
The qualification for the 2025 tournaments has been structured to reward club performance and ensure a balanced workload for players. Here’s how teams qualify:
- Concacaf Champions Cup: Criteria set by Concacaf.
- Leagues Cup: The top nine teams from each MLS conference qualify based on the previous season’s performance.
- Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: 16 MLS teams will participate, with 9 qualifying automatically and 7 based on Supporters’ Shield standings.
- Canadian Championship: All Canadian-based MLS clubs automatically qualify.
Historical Context
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has a rich history, with clubs like D.C. United and Philadelphia Union having made significant impacts in past tournaments. D.C. United has won the cup three times, while Philadelphia Union has reached the finals multiple times, showcasing the competitive spirit of MLS teams in knockout formats.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA World Cup approach, the MLS’s participation in these tournaments will be crucial for the league’s growth and visibility on the international stage. The qualification structure will be re-evaluated for 2027, ensuring that MLS remains competitive and relevant in the evolving landscape of North American soccer.
Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with intense matches and the chance for their favorite teams to claim prestigious titles across North America.
Sources
- 2025 US Open Cup: Which MLS teams are competing? | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
- D.C. United Set to Compete in 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | DC United, D.C. United.
- All 30 Major League Soccer Clubs to Participate in North American Cup Competitions in 2025 | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
- Leagues Cup 2025: Which MLS teams are competing? | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
- Philadelphia Union To Participate In 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Union.
