When Leagues Cup 2025 kicks off, the North American soccer scene will be buzzing with 36 clubs—18 from Liga MX and 18 from Major League Soccer—all vying for three coveted spots in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The tournament runs from July 29 to August 31, 2025, across U.S. venues, and the quarterfinals land on August 20, setting the stage for a summer climax that could reshape the continental hierarchy.
Tournament Overview
Organizers have kept the format simple yet competitive: a three‑match league phase followed by single‑elimination knockout rounds. Every team plays three group games, earning points that determine who advances to the quarterfinals. The design mirrors the 2023 edition but adds a twist—top‑ranked Liga MX clubs receive hosting privileges in the knockout stage, a rule that forces neutral‑site matchups like Toluca FC versus Orlando City SC at a California venue.
League Phase Schedule
- Matchday 1: July 29‑31, 2025
- Matchday 2: August 1‑3, 2025
- Matchday 3: August 5‑7, 2025
Each window features three bouts per day, allowing fans to catch multiple games on the same screen. The schedule was released in early June, giving clubs just enough time to fine‑tune travel logistics before the heat of August rolls in.
Quarterfinal Matchups
The eight clubs that survive the league phase will converge on three venues for the quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 20:
- Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California will host Toluca FC vs. Orlando City SC (6:00 p.m. PT) and LA Galaxy vs. Club Pachuca (8:45 p.m. PT).
- Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington will see Seattle Sounders FC host Club Puebla (8:00 p.m. PT).
Commissioner Mark Peters told reporters, "The neutral‑site policy ensures fairness while still rewarding clubs that have earned top‑seed status in their domestic leagues."
Semifinals, Third‑Place Playoff, and the Final
The semifinals drop a week later on Wednesday, August 27. The bracket pits the highest‑seeded MLS side, Seattle Sounders FC (MLS 1), against LA Galaxy (MLS 3), while the other semi features Inter Miami CF (MLS 2) versus Orlando City SC (MLS 4). The Florida Derby—Miami versus Orlando—has already hinted at a potential upset, given Orlando's 7‑1 aggregate lead in their regular‑season meetings this year.
Both the third‑place playoff and the championship match are slated for Sunday, August 31, turning the final weekend into a soccer festival for fans in the United States and Mexico.
Broadcast & Viewing Options
All 36 matches stream live on MLS Season Pass, accessible via Apple TV or DIRECTV. Select games, including the quarterfinals and semifinals, will also be on FS1, Univision (channel 402), and TUDN (channel 464). Canadian viewers can tune in on TSN and RDS, while Mexican audiences have access via TV Azteca.
For those who prefer the big‑screen experience, the league has partnered with local venues in each host city, offering watch parties that blend the stadium atmosphere with community gatherings.
Implications for the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Beyond bragging rights, the Leagues Cup serves as the sole pathway for MLS clubs to secure three of the nine berths in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The tournament winner, runner‑up, and third‑place finisher lock in their spots, while the remaining six places are allocated through domestic leagues and the Caribbean Cup.
Analyst Javier Gómez notes, "Clubs that miss out on the league phase will have to scramble for a Champions Cup slot via the MLS regular season, which is a tougher road given the depth of talent this year. The Leagues Cup is essentially a fast‑track ticket to continental competition."
Historical Context and What’s Next
The Leagues Cup debuted in 2019 as a collaborative effort between MLS and Liga MX, evolving from a modest group‑stage format to today’s 36‑team showdown. The 2025 edition marks the first time a brand‑new MLS expansion side—San Diego FC—will take part, replacing the Vancouver Whitecaps, who opted to focus on the Canadian Championship and the CONCACAF League.
Looking ahead, the league’s executives are already discussing a potential expansion to include Canadian MLS clubs for the 2026 edition, provided the scheduling logistics can accommodate the increased travel distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams qualify for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup?
The Leagues Cup winner, runner‑up, and third‑place finisher each earn a direct berth. The remaining six spots will be allocated through MLS regular‑season standings, the Mexican league playoffs, and the Caribbean Club Championship.
Why did Vancouver Whitecaps miss the 2025 tournament?
Vancouver chose to compete in both the Canadian Championship and the CONCACAF League, which conflicted with the Leagues Cup schedule. Consequently, expansion side San Diego FC took their place.
How can U.S. fans watch the quarterfinals?
All matches stream on MLS Season Pass. In addition, the quarterfinals will be televised on FS1, Univision (channel 402), and TUDN (channel 464). Local watch parties are also planned in Carson and Seattle.
What is the significance of the neutral venue for Toluca’s match?
Leagues Cup regulations grant top‑ranked Liga MX clubs hosting rights, but to maintain competitive balance the match is staged at a neutral U.S. stadium—Dignity Health Sports Park—rather than in Mexico.
Will Canadian MLS teams be included in future editions?
League officials are exploring the addition of Canadian clubs for the 2026 tournament, contingent on resolving travel and scheduling challenges.
Write a comment