2025 Leagues Cup Kicks Off with Unprecedented Format

Fans showcase their support at the Leagues Cup tournament.

News Summary

The 2025 Leagues Cup begins today, featuring 36 clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. The tournament introduces an in-season format with thrilling matchups and automatic qualifiers for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Fans worldwide can follow the action exclusively on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV. Teams will compete in a knockout format, ensuring an engaging competitive atmosphere as clubs from both leagues clash for the championship and a chance to represent at the FIFA Club World Cup.

New York City – The 2025 Leagues Cup kicks off today, July 29, running until August 31, and marks a significant advancement in North American soccer by being the first in-season club tournament sanctioned by Concacaf across all men’s professional sports. Fans can follow the excitement with live coverage of every match exclusively on MLS Season Pass available on Apple TV, which serves audiences in over 100 countries and regions.

This year, the tournament enters its third edition, featuring two distinct rounds: Phase One and the knockout stage. Phase One will showcase 36 teams, consisting of 18 clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and 18 clubs from Liga MX, with matchups continuing through to the Quarterfinals. The tournament is designed to foster competition between clubs from these two premier leagues, setting the stage for explosive matchups as teams vie for the championship.

A total of 62 matches will be played over the tournament’s duration. Notably, the format stipulates that there will be no ties; should a match end in a draw, teams will proceed to penalty shootouts to determine the winner. Fans can expect a thrilling atmosphere as MLS and Liga MX clubs compete. Notably, the regular MLS and Liga MX seasons will continue during August, allowing fans to enjoy multiple layers of soccer action.

Qualification for 2026 Champions

In a strategic move to elevate the stakes, the top three teams from the Leagues Cup will automatically qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This achievement is also significant for clubs that aspire to represent the confederation at the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup, further highlighting the competition’s importance within the soccer community.

Player Perspectives and Previous Winners

Looking back, the Columbus Crew clinched the 2024 Leagues Cup, triumphing over Los Angeles FC with dramatic stoppage-time goals. Additionally, last year was marked by Lionel Messi’s debut for Inter Miami CF, where he notched ten goals and earned both the Golden Boot and MVP accolades, showcasing the tournament’s ability to attract global talent.

Viewing Options and Features

Subscribers to the MLS Season Pass can watch all Leagues Cup matches with both English and Spanish commentary, without any blackout restrictions. The platform also offers on-demand content as well as extra programming related to the tournament. Fans have the opportunity to maximize their viewing experience by utilizing the Multiview feature on Apple TV 4K and iPads, allowing them to watch up to four matches simultaneously. Through the Catch Up feature, viewers can join matches late while still catching up on key moments before resuming live action.

Subscription Details

The price point for the MLS Season Pass is set at $49, providing access to the entire Leagues Cup and the remainder of the MLS season. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers have a discounted rate of $39, making it easier for a wide audience to partake in the action.

Tournament Format and Participation

The 2025 edition of the tournament features a modified format, with only 18 MLS teams participating—nine from each conference. This setup allows for concentrated competition, as the expansion side, San Diego FC, replaces the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are involved in other competitions this season. Each MLS club will face three Liga MX opponents during Phase One, determined by established rankings from the Leagues Cup.

As the tournament unfolds, every match will be held under the established competition formats of MLS and Liga MX, ensuring a fair and uniform playing field across the board. The knockout stage will pit top MLS teams against Liga MX counterparts, with quarterfinal pairings based on performance in Phase One. Hosting multiple matches at various stadiums will also minimize travel demands for the top-ranked Liga MX clubs, further enriching the spectator experience.

As the Leagues Cup commences, it promises to deliver excitement and competitive soccer, uniting fans from both leagues for a thrilling summer of action.