News Summary
The 2025 Leagues Cup has officially started in San Diego, featuring a new format with teams from Major League Soccer and Liga MX. This in-season tournament is the first sanctioned by Concacaf, with reduced MLS participation. Fans can watch every match on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, which offers innovative features for an enhanced viewing experience. The tournament includes thrilling matchups and promises to be a pivotal moment in the North American soccer scene as teams compete for a chance at the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
San Diego is the epicenter of the soccer world today as the 2025 Leagues Cup officially kicks off. The tournament runs from July 29 to August 31 and features a new format that incorporates teams from both Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX.
This year’s tournament is significant not just for its expansive reach but also because it is the first in-season club tournament sanctioned by Concacaf across any men’s professional sports in North America. As part of this new format, the number of participating MLS teams has been reduced to 18, with only the top nine teams from each conference eligible to compete. The expansion side San Diego FC joins the mix, replacing the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are busy with their commitments in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship.
Fans can catch every match exclusively on the MLS Season Pass available on Apple TV, which boasts availability in over 100 countries and regions. This season, a total of 62 matches will be contested, with no ties permitted. In the event of a tie at the end of regulation, matches will proceed to penalty shootouts. The new competition structure includes a Phase One that showcases matchups solely between MLS and Liga MX clubs, continuing these clashes right through to the Quarterfinals.
The Leagues Cup culminates in a knockout round, leading to the finals where the best teams will compete for the title. The top three clubs from the tournament will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, presenting an opportunity to represent the confederation at the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup.
As the tournament unfolds, the MLS and Liga MX regular seasons will continue through August, with most knockout matches scheduled for midweek. This scheduling ensures that fans can enjoy exceptional competitive action across both leagues during this period.
Fan Experience Enhancements
The MLS Season Pass includes all live Leagues Cup matches, with commentary accessible in both English and Spanish and without any blackout restrictions. Subscriptions cost $49 for the entire duration of the Leagues Cup and the remainder of the MLS season, while existing Apple TV+ subscribers can access the package for a discounted $39. The platform also offers on-demand content and additional programming related to the Leagues Cup.
Technologically, Apple TV users can utilize features such as the Multiview, enabling fans to watch up to four matches simultaneously on devices like Apple TV 4K and iPads. The Catch Up feature is another upgrade, allowing viewers who join matches late to catch up on key moments before the live action resumes.
Background of the Tournament
The Leagues Cup is now entering its third year and is building on the momentum generated by last season’s success, where Columbus Crew secured the 2024 title, overcoming Los Angeles FC with two goals scored in stoppage time. The previous tournament also saw a historic debut from Lionel Messi with Inter Miami CF in the 2023 edition, where he finished as the top scorer, earning both the Golden Boot and MVP honors.
The ongoing rivalry and collaboration between MLS and Liga MX is producing heightened interest in the Leagues Cup, as illustrated by players like Hirving “Chucky” Lozano from San Diego FC and Sergio Canales from C.F. Monterrey, who have expressed excitement about the tournament. They believe it presents a perfect stage to highlight the skills and capabilities of the teams involved.
As the tournament begins, anticipation builds for thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments, marking a key chapter in the North American soccer landscape.
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Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: Leagues Cup 2025 Tiers Ranking
- Wikipedia: Leagues Cup
- CBS Sports: Leagues Cup Explained
- Google Search: Leagues Cup 2025
- USA Today: Leagues Cup 2025 Schedule
- Google Scholar: Leagues Cup
- Charlotte FC: Leagues Cup 2025 Key Dates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Association Football
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