The Leagues Cup has rapidly established itself as a pivotal event in North American club football, bringing together the best teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada, and Liga MX in Mexico. The 2025 edition promises to be even more thrilling with a revamped format designed to intensify the competition and showcase the talent from both leagues. Scheduled to run from July 29th to August 31st, 2025, this Concacaf-sanctioned tournament is set to captivate fans across the continent. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Leagues Cup 2025 schedule, format, and addresses key questions that football enthusiasts are asking.
A New Era: The 2025 Leagues Cup Format
The 2025 Leagues Cup introduces a significant change in format, aiming to create more interleague rivalries and high-stakes matchups right from the start. Unlike previous editions, the 2025 tournament will feature exclusively interleague games between MLS and Liga MX clubs through to the quarterfinals. This means fans can expect exciting cross-border clashes from the opening whistle.
Key Aspects of the 2025 Format:
Participating Teams: The tournament will involve 36 clubs – all 18 teams from Liga MX and the top 18 MLS teams based on their performance in the 2024 season (the top nine teams from each MLS Conference who participated in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs). Notably, the incoming MLS expansion club, San Diego FC, will participate in place of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC based on new MLS North American Cup qualification criteria.
Two Rounds: The competition will be divided into two main phases:
Phase One (July 29 – August 7): This phase will consist of three consecutive match days featuring 54 interleague matches. Each MLS team will play three Liga MX teams, and vice versa. Points will be awarded as follows: 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for a shootout win, and 1 point for a shootout loss. These points will determine the ranking within a “league table” for each league.
Knockout Rounds (August 19 – August 31): The top four teams from each league’s Phase One standings will advance to the quarterfinals. These eight teams will then compete in a single-elimination bracket featuring exclusively interleague matchups (e.g., the top MLS team vs. the fourth-ranked Liga MX team). The semifinals will be held on August 26-27, followed by the Third Place match and the Final on August 31st.
Concacaf Champions Cup Qualification: The stakes are high, as the top three finishers in the Leagues Cup will automatically qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Furthermore, the Leagues Cup champion will receive a bye directly to the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup, offering a significant advantage in the continental competition.
Unveiling the Schedule: Key Dates and Matchups
The official schedule for the Leagues Cup 2025 Phase One was released on February 11th, 2025, generating considerable excitement among fans. The opening night on July 29th will feature a series of highly anticipated interleague clashes.
Key Dates to Remember:
Phase One: July 29 – August 7, 2025
Quarterfinals: August 19-20, 2025
Semifinals: August 26-27, 2025
Third Place Match: August 31, 2025
Final: August 31, 2025
Select Phase One Matchups (as of April 30, 2025 – subject to change and further announcements):
Tuesday, July 29, 2025:
Los Angeles FC vs. Mazatlán F.C. (BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, USA)
Deportivo Toluca F.C. vs. Columbus Crew (Nemesio Díez Stadium, Toluca, Mexico)
CF Montréal vs. Club León (Stade Saputo, Montreal, Canada)
New York City FC vs. Club Puebla (Yankee Stadium, New York, USA)
C.F. Pachuca vs. San Diego FC (Estadio Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico)
Tigres UANL vs. Houston Dynamo FC (University Stadium, San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico)
Thursday, July 31, 2025:
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Cruz Azul (Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA)
FC Cincinnati vs. CF Monterrey (TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA)
Sunday, August 3, 2025:
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Santos Laguna (Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA)
FC Cincinnati vs. FC Juárez (TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA – Doubleheader)
Wednesday, August 6, 2025:
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Club Tijuana (Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA)
This is just a small selection of the 54 matches scheduled for Phase One, promising a packed nine days of intense footballing action. The full schedule, including broadcast details, can be found on the official Leagues Cup website and through MLS and Liga MX team channels. All matches will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with select games also broadcast on TelevisaUnivision, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS in the United States and Canada.
FAQs
When is the Leagues Cup 2025 taking place?
The Leagues Cup 2025 is scheduled from July 29 to August 31, 2025. The tournament kicks off with Phase One matches on July 29 and concludes with the final on August 31.
What is the format of the Leagues Cup 2025?
The 2025 edition introduces a revamped format:
Phase One (Group Stage): Each of the 36 teams (18 from MLS and 18 from Liga MX) plays three matches against teams from the opposite league.
Knockout Rounds: The top four teams from each league, based on Phase One performance, advance to the quarterfinals. From this stage, MLS and Liga MX teams face off in single-elimination matches leading up to the final.
Where are the matches being held?
All matches are hosted in the United States and Canada. Teams play in venues determined by their geographic zones (East or West), with no matches ending in a draw; tied games proceed to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
How can I watch the Leagues Cup 2025 matches?
Matches will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with select games also airing on FOX Sports, TelevisaUnivision, TSN, and RDS in the United States and Canada.
What is at stake in the Leagues Cup 2025?
Beyond the championship trophy, the top three teams (the finalists and the third-place winner) secure qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the tournament winner earning a direct spot in the Round of 16.
Who are the defending champions?
Columbus Crew enters the tournament as the reigning champions, having clinched the title in 2024. They commence their title defense against Deportivo Toluca on opening night at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Which teams are participating in the Leagues Cup 2025?
The tournament features 36 teams:
18 MLS Teams: The top 18 teams from the 2024 MLS season.
18 Liga MX Teams: All 18 clubs from Liga MX.
What are some key matchups in Phase One?
Notable Phase One fixtures include:
Inter Miami vs. Atlas FC on July 30.
LA Galaxy vs. Club Tijuana on July 31.
Seattle Sounders vs. Cruz Azul on July 31.
New York Red Bulls vs. Chivas Guadalajara on July 31.
Charlotte FC vs. FC Juárez on July 31.
FC Cincinnati vs. CF Monterrey on July 31.
How are teams ranked in Phase One?
Teams earn points based on match outcomes:
3 points for a win in regulation time.
2 points for a win via penalty shootout.
1 point for a loss in a penalty shootout.
The top four teams from each league, based on total points, advance to the quarterfinals.
How does the knockout stage work?
The knockout stage consists of:
Quarterfinals: Top four MLS teams vs. top four Liga MX teams.
Semifinals: Winners of the quarterfinals face off.
Third-Place Match: Losers of the semifinals compete for third place.
Final: Winners of the semifinals vie for the championship.
All knockout matches are single-elimination, with penalty shootouts deciding tied games.
Where can I find the full match schedule?
The complete match schedule, including dates, venues, and kickoff times, is available on the official Leagues Cup website: Leagues Cup Schedule.
To conclude
The Leagues Cup 2025 stands as a testament to the growing collaboration between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, offering fans a month-long celebration of North American soccer. With a refined format, the tournament ensures high-stakes competition from the outset, pitting the top teams from each league against one another in a series of thrilling encounters.
The decision to have all matches played in the U.S. and Canada not only caters to a broad fan base but also underscores the commitment to providing world-class soccer experiences across North America. The inclusion of penalty shootouts to resolve tied matches adds an extra layer of excitement, ensuring every game concludes with a definitive result.
For fans in Asansol, West Bengal, India, and around the globe, the Leagues Cup 2025 offers a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of two soccer cultures, each bringing its own flair and passion to the pitch. With matches accessible via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and other broadcasting partners, supporters can immerse themselves in the action, cheering for their favorite teams and players.
As the tournament progresses, storylines will emerge, rivalries will intensify, and new heroes will rise, all culminating in the crowning of the Leagues Cup champion on August 31. Whether you’re a seasoned soccer aficionado or a newcomer to the sport, the Leagues Cup 2025 promises a captivating journey through the heart of North American soccer.
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