News Summary
The 2025 Major League Soccer season will feature an unparalleled level of match congestion, with 30 clubs balancing multiple competitions alongside the regular season. Teams like Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders FC, and Los Angeles FC are set to compete in three major tournaments. Additionally, the opportunity for summer friendlies has been significantly reduced, affecting clubs’ international engagements. Despite these challenges, the league will showcase over 510 matches available via the MLS Season Pass, promoting growth in American soccer.
2025 MLS Season Features Unprecedented Match Congestion and Limited Summer Friendlies for Clubs
In a historic first, the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to become the most congested in league history, involving 30 clubs facing the challenge of participating in five different competitions alongside the regular season. This remarkable structure provides a unique season filled with both domestic and international competition.
Most MLS clubs are expected to compete in two separate competitions, however, some clubs, including Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders FC, and Los Angeles FC, will engage in three prestigious tournaments—namely the FIFA Club World Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the Leagues Cup—while juggling their regular season commitments. This elevated level of competition signifies a new chapter for major American soccer.
Due to the intensifying schedule, the window for summer friendlies has seen a drastic reduction this year, with only four MLS teams scheduled to play against European clubs. This reduction marks a significant downgrade from previous seasons where more opportunities were available for clubs to engage with international teams.
Among the limited summer friendlies, Aston Villa is set to play two matches in the U.S., kicking off against St. Louis CITY SC on July 30, followed by a match with Nashville SC on August 2. St. Louis CITY SC has faced difficulties during the current season, leading to the dismissal of their manager within the first 15 games due to the team’s poor performance. In contrast, Nashville SC has fared better, making their way to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, and may consider featuring a rotated squad against Aston Villa.
In another notable friendly, the Philadelphia Union will host Eintracht Frankfurt on August 2, an event that is part of Frankfurt’s strategy to expand its international footprint leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match will also help to reinforce the sister city relationship established between Philadelphia and Frankfurt back in 2015.
D.C. United is poised to face the Ethiopian men’s national team as well, continuing the trend of MLS teams hosting international sides for the second consecutive season. The Ethiopian national team, currently ranked 156th by FIFA, is heavily involved in World Cup 2026 qualifying matches as they aim for advancement in the tournament.
The 2025 MLS regular season will face the unprecedented challenge of balancing domestic leagues with international fixtures. The season opener for Inter Miami CF is scheduled for February 22 against New York City FC, while LAFC will commence its season at the Coachella Valley Invitational on February 5, facing off against the Chicago Fire.
Throughout the season, an impressive total of over 510 regular-season games will be available to viewers via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Each MLS club will also engage in six out-of-conference matches as part of this year’s schedule, allowing teams to enhance their competitiveness and showcase talent across the league.
A key highlight to watch for in the season ahead is the highly anticipated matchup between LA Galaxy and LAFC, set for July 19, 2025, which will further stoke the flames of their intense rivalry.
Importantly, the 2025 season will continue to see regular MLS play during the Leagues Cup, ensuring that league schedules remain uninterrupted despite the overlap of competitions. With the busy match calendar ahead, the MLS aims to navigate through these challenges while contributing to the vibrant growth of soccer in the United States.
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Additional Resources
- SI: MLS Friendlies This Summer
- MLS Soccer: 2025 Regular Season Schedule
- Inter Miami CF: 2025 MLS Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
- Google Search: MLS 2025 Season
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
