MLS teams compete in a thrilling match during the congested 2025 season.
The 2025 Major League Soccer season in the United States features unprecedented competition with 30 teams participating in league play and various tournaments. This season sees a record number of teams, leading to a packed schedule that poses challenges for clubs and fans alike. Additionally, the number of summer friendly matches has significantly decreased, highlighting a shift in focus toward more competitive engagements. As teams navigate this intense landscape, international showcases and league fixtures promise to bring excitement and intrigue to soccer fans across the nation.
The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, taking place across the United States, stands out as the most congested in league history. This season involves a record number of clubs — 30 teams — competing simultaneously in multiple tournaments alongside the traditional league schedule. The increased schedule density presents new challenges for teams and fans alike, with a notable reduction in summer friendly matches against European teams.
Traditionally, MLS clubs primarily focus on the regular season. However, this year most teams are also involved in at least two major competitions. Some clubs such as Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders FC, and Los Angeles FC participate in three, including the FIFA Club World Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup, alongside their league commitments. This expanded involvement leads to a demanding calendar, with fixture congestion affecting team preparation and recovery.
Typically, MLS teams schedule friendly matches with European clubs during the summer to boost international exposure and improve team cohesion. This season, the number of such friendlies has declined sharply; only four are scheduled, marking a significant drop from previous seasons. The most notable among them are two matches involving Aston Villa, a Premier League team. Aston Villa will play against St. Louis CITY SC on July 30 and Nashville SC on August 2, in the United States.
St. Louis CITY SC, one of the MLS clubs participating in these friendlies, has encountered difficulties this season. Their manager was dismissed after 15 matches due to underperformance. Meanwhile, Nashville SC has demonstrated more promising form, evidenced by their advancement to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. They are expected to field a rotated squad for the encounter with Aston Villa, balancing league duties with international friendlies.
In addition to Aston Villa’s matches, MLS teams are hosting high-profile international teams as part of broader internationalization efforts. The Philadelphia Union will host Eintracht Frankfurt on August 2. This friendly is aimed at strengthening international ties and is aligned with Frankfurt’s strategic plan to heighten its profile ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted partially in the United States.
The matchup also accentuates the friendly relations between Philadelphia and Frankfurt, which began as a sister city partnership in 2015, emphasizing cultural and athletic exchanges.
For D.C. United, hosting the Ethiopian men’s national team marks a continuation of a recent trend where MLS clubs face international sides. Ethiopia, ranked 156th by FIFA, is actively competing in World Cup 2026 qualifiers, adding a competitive dimension for both the national team and the MLS club involved.
The 2025 MLS season kicked off on February 5 with LAFC’s match at the Coachella Valley Invitational against Chicago Fire. The league’s opener for Inter Miami CF is scheduled for February 22 against New York City FC. Over 510 regular-season games will be broadcast on the MLS Season Pass platform via Apple TV, providing broad coverage for fans worldwide.
Each club will play six out-of-conference matches during the regular season, expanding the variety of opposition and geographical reach. One of the season’s notable fixtures is the rivalry match between LA Galaxy and LAFC scheduled for July 19, which will be a highlight in the league’s calendar.
The 2025 season will continue with regular MLS play during the Leagues Cup, a tournament that involves teams from both MLS and Liga MX. Importantly, the league schedule accommodates this competition without disruption, ensuring that club priorities are balanced effectively for the season’s duration.
The 2025 MLS season reflects a significant evolution in American soccer, marked by heightened competition, expanded international involvement, and an intense fixture schedule. While congestion poses challenges, clubs and fans are set to experience a unique season filled with historic matchups and international showcases across the United States.
2025 MLS Season Faces Intensified Competition and Fewer Friendlies
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