Los Angeles, July 30, 2025
News Summary
The 2025 Leagues Cup has commenced, showcasing a new format that brings together Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX clubs. The tournament, running until the end of August, features 62 matches and a knockout stage, with all games available through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Fans can expect competitive matchups and the exciting opportunity for the top three teams to qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This edition promises to highlight the best talent from both leagues.
Los Angeles – The 2025 Leagues Cup kicks off today, July 29, marking its return with an exciting new format featuring Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX clubs. The tournament runs until August 31 and is noteworthy as it is sanctioned by Concacaf, making it the first in-season club tournament of its kind in North America across all men’s professional sports.
Fans worldwide can catch every match exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, accessible in over 100 countries and regions. This third edition of the tournament introduces two main rounds: Phase One and a knockout round. Phase One consists exclusively of matchups between MLS and Liga MX clubs and will continue through to the Quarterfinals.
The tournament is set to feature a total of 62 matches, with a no-tie policy enforced—matches that are tied at the end of regulation will advance to penalty shootouts. Throughout August, while the regular MLS and Liga MX seasons proceed, most knockout matches will be held midweek, ensuring players remain engaged in their respective leagues.
A significant benefit of the tournament is that the top three teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the potential to represent the confederation at the esteemed FIFA Club World Cup.
Excitement is palpable among players. The tournament presents an opportunity for teams to showcase their capabilities and talents on a larger platform, with standout stars from both leagues. The previous edition saw Columbus Crew clinch the trophy by defeating Los Angeles FC with two stoppage-time goals, and it was here that soccer legend Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami CF, claiming multiple accolades along the way.
Subscribers to the MLS Season Pass can enjoy all live Leagues Cup matches, with commentary in both English and Spanish, and no blackout restrictions. Additional perks include on-demand content and special programming associated with the Leagues Cup. Notably, viewers can watch up to four matches simultaneously through the Multiview feature on Apple TV 4K and iPads. The innovative Catch Up feature allows fans to view key moments and highlights before live action resumes if they join a match late.
The format has evolved, with the number of MLS participating teams reduced to 18. Only the top nine teams from each conference qualify, with the new expansion side San Diego FC replacing the Vancouver Whitecaps, currently competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship. In total, the tournament features 36 clubs, with 18 from Liga MX.
Phase One will see each MLS team match up against three Liga MX opponents, selected based on Leagues Cup rankings, creating a competitive atmosphere. The subsequent knockout stage will pair MLS teams against Liga MX teams, with quarterfinal pairings determined by performance in the initial phase.
The matches will be hosted by various teams to minimize travel for higher-ranked Liga MX clubs, further enhancing the tournament’s appeal and logistics.
Leagues Cup 2025 Overview
- Duration: July 29 – August 31, 2025
- Format: Two phases – Phase One and Knockout
- Total Matches: 62
- Tie Condition: Matches going to penalty shootouts if tied
- Participants: 18 MLS teams, 18 Liga MX teams
- MLS Season Pass: Available in over 100 countries
- Key Qualification: Top three teams qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup
FAQ Section
- What is the Leagues Cup?
- The Leagues Cup is an in-season tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, showcasing top talent and competition from both leagues.
- When does the 2025 Leagues Cup start and end?
- The tournament runs from July 29 to August 31, 2025.
- How many matches will be played?
- A total of 62 matches will take place during the tournament.
- Where can fans watch the matches?
- Fans can watch all matches on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, available in over 100 countries.
- What happens if a match ends in a tie?
- If a match is tied, it will go to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Key Features of Leagues Cup 2025
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | July 29 – August 31, 2025 |
| Match Format | 62 matches, Phase One and Knockout round |
| Broadcasting | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
| Teams Involved | 36 clubs (18 MLS, 18 Liga MX) |
| Qualification to Champions Cup | Top three teams qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lionel Messi Faces Suspension Amid Leagues Cup Controversy
Major League Cricket Relocates Headquarters to Grand Prairie
Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: Leagues Cup 2025 Tiers Ranking
- Wikipedia: Leagues Cup
- CBS Sports: Leagues Cup Explained
- Google Search: Leagues Cup 2025
- USA Today: Leagues Cup 2025 Schedule
- Google Scholar: Leagues Cup
- Charlotte FC: Leagues Cup 2025 Key Dates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Association Football
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
