Leagues Cup Begins with New Format for MLS and Liga MX

Fans showcase their support at the Leagues Cup tournament.

Los Angeles, California, July 30, 2025

News Summary

The Leagues Cup kicks off today, featuring Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX teams in a revamped tournament format. Running until August, the event sees 36 clubs compete in an in-season tournament that includes exclusive coverage on Apple TV. With only the top teams participating, matches aim to engage a global audience while fostering exciting matchups, showcasing the best of North American soccer. The tournament promises a thrilling path for teams to qualify for prestigious tournaments and highlights ongoing seasons in both leagues.

Los Angeles, California – 2025 Leagues Cup Kicks Off Today with New MLS and Liga MX Format on Apple TV

The 2025 Leagues Cup begins today, July 29, and will run until August 31, featuring an exciting new format that brings together Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX teams in North America’s first in-season club tournament. Sanctioned by Concacaf, this tournament marks a significant milestone in professional sports across the continent.

Fans can enjoy every match exclusively on the MLS Season Pass available on Apple TV, which operates in over 100 countries and regions, ensuring a global audience can partake in this sporting event. This year, the tournament progresses into its third edition, comprising two distinct rounds: Phase One and the knockout round, which leads up to the much-anticipated Leagues Cup Final.

Phase One features matchups specifically between clubs from MLS and Liga MX and will continue through the Quarterfinals. A total of 62 matches will be played throughout the tournament, with a strict no-tie policy; if teams are deadlocked at the end of regulation, matches will proceed directly to penalty shootouts.

During the tournament, the MLS and Liga MX regular seasons will carry on, with several knockout matches scheduled for midweek play. The top three teams from the Leagues Cup will automatically qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, presenting a pathway for potential representation at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The tournament format has been revised this year, reducing the number of participating MLS teams from 29 to 18, with only the top nine teams from each conference qualifying. Newcomers San Diego FC will replace the Vancouver Whitecaps, who will participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship. A total of 36 clubs will compete, consisting of 18 Liga MX teams along with the 18 MLS teams.

Each MLS team will engage with three Liga MX opponents during Phase One, based on Leagues Cup rankings. The knockout stage will see teams from MLS paired against Liga MX counterparts, with quarterfinal matchups determined by Phase One outcomes. To facilitate less travel for the top-ranked Liga MX clubs, various teams will host the matches.

In recent years, the tournament has gained traction, showcased by high-profile players such as Lionel Messi making his debut for Inter Miami CF in the 2023 Leagues Cup and going on to score 10 goals, earning both the Golden Boot and MVP awards. The previous edition concluded with Columbus Crew securing victory over Los Angeles FC, thanks to two stoppage-time goals.

MLS Season Pass includes all live Leagues Cup matches, with commentary available in both English and Spanish and no blackout restrictions. Subscribers can access on-demand content along with additional programming related to the Leagues Cup. The broadcast team for this year consists of five acclaimed Spanish-language broadcasters alongside former players and notable hosts, enhancing the viewing experience. Apple TV’s Multiview feature allows fans to watch up to four matches simultaneously, while the Catch Up feature enables viewers to join late and catch key moments before live action resumes. Subscriptions for the MLS Season Pass are priced at $49 for the complete Leagues Cup and the remainder of the MLS season, with a discounted rate of $39 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Leagues Cup

Feature	Details
Tournament Duration	July 29 – August 31, 2025
Total Matches	62 matches, no ties
Qualification	Top 3 teams qualify for 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup
Participants	18 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX teams
Broadcasting	Exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV
Subscription Cost	$49 or discounted to $39 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers

FAQ

When does the 2025 Leagues Cup start and end?

The tournament starts on July 29, 2025, and runs until August 31, 2025.

Where can I watch the Leagues Cup matches?

All matches are available exclusively on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

How many teams are participating in the 2025 Leagues Cup?

A total of 36 teams are participating, with 18 from MLS and 18 from Liga MX.

Is there a cost to watch the Leagues Cup?

Yes, subscriptions for the MLS Season Pass are available for $49 for the entire tournament and remaining MLS season, or $39 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers.