The Leagues Cup 2025 returns with a refreshed structure, promising one of the most exciting editions yet. Featuring 36 of the best clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX, this year’s tournament kicks off on July 29 and runs through August 31, offering high-stakes regional rivalry, prize money, and qualification to international competition.
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What Is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is an annual competition that brings together top teams from the United States’ MLS and Mexico’s LIGA MX in a World Cup-style format. For 2025, the tournament features:
- 36 teams: 18 MLS clubs and all 18 LIGA MX clubs
- Broadcasting: Every match streams live on MLS Season Pass, with select games on FOX Sports, TelevisaUnivision, TSN, and RDS
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What’s at Stake?
- The Leagues Cup Trophy featuring dual bowls representing MLS and LIGA MX
- Prize money
- Three spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, awarded to:
- Both finalists
- The third-place match winner
These spots offer pathways to the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
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Leagues Cup 2025 Schedule
- Phase One (Group Stage): July 29 – August 7
- Quarterfinals: August 19–20
- Semifinals: August 26–27
- Third Place & Final: August 31
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Tournament Format Explained
Phase One – MLS vs LIGA MX Only
Each team plays three matches against opponents from the opposite league. No intra-league games in this round. Results contribute to separate league tables:
- MLS Table
- LIGA MX Table
Points System:
- Win in regulation: 3 points
- Draw (goes to penalties): 1 point each
- Penalty shootout win: additional 1 point
The top four teams from each table advance to the Knockout Rounds.
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Knockout Round Pairings
Matchups are based on league table rankings:
- MLS 1 vs LIGA MX 4
- MLS 2 vs LIGA MX 3
- MLS 3 vs LIGA MX 2
- MLS 4 vs LIGA MX 1
All knockout matches are single elimination. If tied, matches go directly to a penalty shootout.
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Hosting Privileges
- LA Galaxy, as 2024 MLS Cup champions, host all their matches
- Top LIGA MX teams like Club América, Monterrey, Tigres, and Chivas receive limited hosting rights to reduce travel strain
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Participating Teams
MLS Teams (18):
Includes LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, LAFC, Charlotte FC, San Diego FC, and more.
LIGA MX Teams (18):
Includes Club América, Tigres UANL, Chivas Guadalajara, CF Monterrey, Toluca, and Cruz Azul.
Note: Vancouver Whitecaps FC will not participate due to their place in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. San Diego FC replaces them.
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Recap of Leagues Cup 2024
In a dramatic 3-1 victory, Columbus Crew defeated LAFC in the 2024 final at Lower.com Field. Cucho Hernández scored twice, with Jacen Russell-Rowe sealing the win in stoppage time. It marked Columbus’ second trophy under manager Wilfried Nancy.
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How to Watch Leagues Cup 2025
- Streaming: All matches available on MLS Season Pass (Apple TV+)
- TV: Select matches on FOX Sports, TelevisaUnivision, TSN, and RDS
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Final Thoughts
Leagues Cup 2025 delivers a bold new format, stronger interleague competition, and more at stake than ever before. With qualification to international tournaments and regional pride on the line, this year’s edition is a can’t-miss tournament for North American soccer fans.
