The Leagues Cup has returned for its third edition, kicking off on July 29 and running through August 31. This year's tournament features a revamped format and promises a month-long spectacle of competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX.
A New, Slimmed-Down Look
One of the most significant changes for the 2025 Leagues Cup is the revised format. Instead of including all teams from both leagues, this year's competition features 36 clubs: 18 from LIGA MX and 18 qualifying MLS teams. The top nine teams in each MLS conference that participated in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs from the prior season have earned a spot in the tournament. All LIGA MX teams are participating. San Diego FC will be taking the place of Vancouver Whitecaps FC for Leagues Cup 2025.
The tournament is structured in two phases: Phase One and the Knockout Rounds. Phase One began on July 29 and consists exclusively of games between MLS and LIGA MX sides. Each club will play three matches against three opponents from the opposite league within their set region.
Intra-League Play & Points System
In Phase one, MLS and LIGA MX teams will compete and earn points in league-specific tables. A win by an MLS club earns points in the Leagues Cup MLS table, and a win by a LIGA MX team contributes to the Leagues Cup LIGA MX table.
The Leagues Cup employs a unique point system designed to eliminate ties. Teams receive three points for a win in regulation time. If a match is tied after 90 minutes, each team receives one point, and a penalty shootout determines the winner, who earns an additional point. Therefore, a team can earn zero, one, two, or three points in a match.
Knockout Rounds
The top four clubs with the most points from each league will move on to the Knockout Rounds, right into the Quarterfinals. Like Phase One, all quarterfinal contests will exclusively feature MLS vs. LIGA MX matchups. Quarterfinal pairings will be decided based on Leagues Cup Phase One performance. The quarterfinal matchups will follow a cross-ranking format: MLS 1 vs Liga MX 4, MLS 2 vs Liga MX 3, MLS 3 vs Liga MX 2, MLS 4 vs Liga MX 1. The four advancing clubs will compete in two semifinal matches, irrespective of league. In the knockout stages, tied matches go straight to penalty shootouts.
The Quarterfinals will take place August 19-20, and the Semifinals August 26-27. The Leagues Cup 2025 Third Place match and Final will both be held on August 31.
What's at Stake
Beyond the trophy, prize money, and bragging rights, the Leagues Cup offers significant stakes. The top three teams will receive automatic bids to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the champion qualifying directly to the Round of 16. This provides a pathway to represent the Confederation at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Viewing Information
Fans in over 100 countries and regions can watch every Leagues Cup match live through the Apple TV app with MLS Season Pass. Select games will also be available on TelevisaUnivision's networks, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS. Tickets for Leagues Cup 2025 matches are available at LeaguesCup.com/Tickets.
