The 2025 Leagues Cup has officially kicked off in style. First launched in 2023, this annual competition, held from July to August, brings together some of the most exciting action from Major League Soccer in the United States and Mexico’s Liga MX. This year is particularly special—not just because it features some of the biggest names in the beautiful game, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Ramos, and more—but also because of some interesting tweaks in and out of the event. So with the third edition already off and running, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s changed this time around.
A new look of the 2025 Leagues Cup
The 2025 Leagues Cup returns with a refreshed and expanded format, featuring 36 clubs—18 from Mexico’s Liga MX and 18 qualifying teams from Major League Soccer. The top nine teams from each MLS conference, based on participation in the previous season’s Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, will secure their spot.
Notably, MLS expansion side San Diego FC, making their debut this season, will replace the Vancouver Whitecaps FC under the league’s updated North American cup qualification rules. Officially sanctioned by Concacaf, the tournament will award the top three finishers with automatic qualification to the Concacaf Champions Cup, offering a pathway to the FIFA Club World Cup.
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 19: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 along with defender DeAndre Yedlin 2 and teammates prepare to lift the championship trophy during the Leagues Cup Final match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, TN. Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: AUG 19 Leagues Cup Final – Nashville SC vs Inter Miami CF EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2308190088
The competition will unfold in two stages: Phase One kicks off on July 29, followed by the Knockout Rounds, culminating in the final on August 31. Throughout this period, both MLS and Liga MX will continue their regular-season schedules, with most knockout matches scheduled during midweek.
What is at stake for the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup offers multiple pathways to the Concacaf Champions Cup. Both finalists in the tournament automatically secure qualification, while the winner of the third-place match also earns a spot. Additionally, the club that emerges as the 2025 Leagues Cup champion will receive a direct berth in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
(This is a developing story…)
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