leagues cup

The Leagues Cup 2025 has introduced a revamped format, featuring 36 clubs: 18 qualifying MLS teams (the top nine from each conference, based on the previous season’s MLS Cup Playoffs) and all 18 LIGA MX sides. The tournament runs from July 29 to August 31, with Phase One group matches leading to knockout rounds, including quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final all hosted in the U.S. and Canada^[1]^[2]^[3].

Notably, this year’s tournament guarantees exclusively MLS vs. LIGA MX matchups through the quarterfinals, with both leagues’ regular seasons continuing in parallel throughout August. Matches feature a unique “No Draws” rule—ties after 90 minutes are settled via penalty shootout, with a special points system that awards three points for a regulation victory and additional points for shootout success^[3]^[4].

Three clubs—the champion, runner-up, and third place—will earn automatic berths in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, which serves as a pathway to the FIFA Club World Cup^[1]^[2].

All 62 matches are broadcast live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV globally, with select games also available on networks such as FOX Sports, TelevisaUnivision, TSN, and RDS^[4].

Among recent action, Charlotte FC faces CD Guadalajara on August 3, while the LA Galaxy continue their campaign by hosting Cruz Azul, having started their run with a 5-2 victory over Club Tijuana^[2]^[5]^[7]. The reigning champions, Columbus Crew, aim to defend their title after an exciting 3-1 victory over LAFC in last year’s final^[1].

References

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply