Fans showcase their support at the Leagues Cup tournament.
The 2025 Leagues Cup has commenced, introducing a new format and broadcasting options for North American professional soccer. This tournament features top teams from Major League Soccer and Liga MX vying for regional supremacy. With 36 clubs participating and matches aired exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, fans can expect an exciting month of high-stakes competition. The event marks a significant step in merging domestic leagues and providing opportunities for teams to qualify for international tournaments.
The 2025 Leagues Cup is the third edition of the tournament sanctioned by Concacaf, representing the first season in which an in-season club tournament takes place across all men’s professional sports in North America. The event runs through August 31, bringing together top clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX to compete for regional bragging rights and qualification spots for upcoming international competitions.
The tournament features a streamlined format with two main phases: Phase One and the knockout round. The initial phase exclusively involves matchups between clubs from MLS and Liga MX, continuing through the quarterfinals. This phase ensures each MLS team plays three matches against Liga MX opponents, based on their rankings, and culminates with the quarterfinals where the traditional knockout stage begins.
A total of 62 matches will be played during the competition. Matches tied after regulation will proceed to penalty shootouts, as no draws are permitted in tournament play. The knockout stage features face-offs between MLS and Liga MX teams, with matchups determined by performance in Phase One.
The tournament sees the participation of 36 clubs, comprised of 18 teams from Liga MX and 18 from MLS. The top nine teams from each MLS conference qualify, while the Liga MX side boasts a mix of established teams and expansion clubs. Notably, the expansion team San Diego FC replaced Vancouver Whitecaps, who are competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship this season.
All matches, whether hosted by MLS or Liga MX clubs, are scheduled with strategic considerations designed to reduce travel burdens on top-ranked Liga MX sides.
During August, while most Leagues Cup knockout matches occur midweek, both the MLS and Liga MX regular seasons will continue uninterrupted. This integrated schedule allows teams to compete across domestic leagues and the tournament simultaneously.
The top three teams in the Leagues Cup will earn automatic qualification to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. These teams also hold the potential to represent the region at the FIFA Club World Cup, elevating the tournament’s importance and stakes.
Player interest and excitement continue to grow. For instance, forward Hirving Lozano of San Diego FC has expressed enthusiasm about the tournament providing his team a chance to showcase their skills. Similarly, Sergio Canales of C.F. Monterrey highlighted the rising competitive profile of the event due to the involvement of high-profile players and fixtures.
Last year’s champion, Columbus Crew, claimed victory after securing a dramatic win with two stoppage-time goals against Los Angeles FC, marking their second Leagues Cup title. In the prior edition, Lionel Messi made an impactful debut for Inter Miami CF, scoring 10 goals, earning both the Golden Boot and MVP honors, and significantly boosting interest in the tournament’s growing prominence.
The entire Leagues Cup is exclusively available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. This streaming service offers coverage in over 100 countries and regions, with features such as multiple match viewing via Multiview on Apple TV 4K and iPads, and a Catch Up option to review key moments for late joiners. Commentary is available in English and Spanish, with no blackout restrictions.
Subscriptions cost $49 for access to the full tournament and remaining MLS season, with a discounted rate of $39 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers. Subscribers also benefit from on-demand content and supplementary programming related to the Leagues Cup.
The tournament’s broadcast team includes renowned Spanish-language broadcasters, former players, and hosts to ensure comprehensive coverage. Fans can follow up to four matches simultaneously using Apple TV’s multiview features, enhancing interactive viewing options.
With the new format and expanded media coverage, the 2025 Leagues Cup is set to elevate the profile of North American club soccer, fostering competition and regional cooperation across both domestic and international stages.
Lionel Messi’s Suspension Triggers Debate in MLS
North Texas SC Clinches MLS NEXT Pro Invitational Championship
MLS All-Stars Triumph in 2025 Skills Challenge
Miami to Host PGA Tour at Trump National Doral
Major Changes Shape the 2025 MLS Season
2025 MLS Season Faces Intensified Competition and Fewer Friendlies
Washington, D.C., August 26, 2025 News Summary In Washington, D.C., anxiety is rising among parents and…
Washington D.C., August 26, 2025 News Summary As the new school year approaches, families in Washington,…
Washington D.C., August 26, 2025 News Summary As the new school year approaches, families and teachers…
Washington, D.C., August 26, 2025 News Summary As the school year begins in Washington, D.C., Mayor…
News Summary Vestavia Hills has committed over $30 million for new construction and infrastructure at…
News Summary Bellefonte is on track to build a state-of-the-art elementary school with a budget…