The 2025 Leagues Cup is set to ignite excitement this summer with a fresh approach to its tournament structure, catering to soccer fans across North America. Announced on Thursday, the altered format aims to maximize competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX—Mexico’s top soccer league. Launching on July 29, this year’s edition will feature all 18 teams from both leagues, promising thrilling matchups and an engaging atmosphere for fans.
Central to this year’s innovation is the introduction of a “Phase One” group stage, wherein each of the participating clubs will engage in three matches against opponents from the rival league. The match pairings are premised on a ranking system developed from the clubs’ performances throughout the 2024 regular-season games. This new approach not only amplifies the inter-league rivalries but also adds layers of strategy and competition as each team looks to secure a spot in the knockout phases.
The decision to rank teams preemptively raises interesting dynamics, particularly for newcomers like San Diego FC, which will be placed at the bottom of the MLS rankings due to its status as an expansion team yet to begin play. Such stipulations lead to a more competitive environment, as established teams will face pressure to perform and secure a better standing heading into the knockout rounds.
Transitioning from group play, the top four teams from both leagues will progress to the quarterfinals in a single-elimination format. This structure ensures that not only are the best teams competing, but also promises a high number of direct matchups between MLS and Liga MX teams. By guaranteeing inter-league matches in both phases of the tournament, a remarkable 58 out of 62 scheduled games will see teams from both leagues colliding. This ratio heightens spectator interest and increases media coverage, amplifying the rivalry that soccer fans have long cherished.
Moreover, the structure culminates in a grand finale scheduled for August 31, where the finalists, along with the winner of the third-place match, will earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This offers additional motivation for teams to elevate their game, making every match critical in pursuit of championship glory.
The MLS’s decision to limit participation to 18 teams marks a significant departure from previous editions that involved every team in the league. The selection process is primarily based on last season’s standings, ensuring that only the top nine clubs from each conference are represented. The introduction of San Diego FC in place of the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are otherwise engaged in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship, reflects a strategic choice to balance competition across different tournaments without overcrowding fixtures.
Interestingly, despite the busy tournament schedule, neither MLS nor Liga MX will pause their regular season play during the Leagues Cup. This aspect underscores the growing popularity of soccer in North America, as both leagues seek to maintain a full slate of matches while introducing exciting tournament frameworks.
The 2025 Leagues Cup presents an enthralling evolution in North American soccer dynamics, emphasizing competition, strategic gameplay, and inter-league rivalries. This revised format is not just a response to the growing soccer audience but a bold step toward fostering deeper exchanges between two of the largest leagues on the continent. As the tournament approaches, fans can anticipate a robust and exciting summer filled with fierce matches that celebrate the sport’s unifying magic across borders.