2025 Leagues Cup Kicks Off Today with New MLS and Liga MX Format on Apple TV

San Diego, CA – The 2025 Leagues Cup kicks off today, July 29, and will run until August 31. This highly anticipated tournament is sanctioned by Concacaf and marks a significant milestone as the first in-season club tournament in North America across all men’s professional sports. Fans can watch every match exclusively via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, which is available in over 100 countries and regions.

The tournament enters its third year, featuring a new format with two distinct rounds: Phase One and the knockout round, ultimately leading to the Leagues Cup Final. Phase One will focus on matchups between clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, continuing through the Quarterfinals. A total of 62 matches are scheduled, and notably, there will be no tie games; if matches end in a draw, they will go to penalty shootouts.

Throughout August, the MLS and Liga MX regular seasons will continue, with most knockout stage matches scheduled for midweek. Excitingly, the top three teams from the Leagues Cup will automatically qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, potentially giving them the opportunity to represent the confederation at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Players are eager about this tournament. San Diego FC’s forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano mentioned it is a perfect chance to showcase his team’s abilities, while C.F. Monterrey midfielder Sergio Canales emphasized the tournament’s growing popularity, attributed to the presence of high-profile players.

2025 Leagues Cup Details

• Duration: July 29 – August 31, 2025
• Total Matches: 62
• Match Format: No ties; penalties if tied
• Broadcast: Available on Apple TV, including commentary in English and Spanish with no blackout restrictions
• Subscription Cost: $49 for the entire Leagues Cup and remainder of the MLS season, with a discounted price of $39 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers

Tournament Structure

The new format has reduced the number of participating MLS teams to 18, with only the top nine teams from each conference qualifying. This year, expansion side San Diego FC replaces the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship. The tournament will see a mix of 18 Liga MX teams, bringing the total number of participant clubs to 36. Each MLS team will face three Liga MX opponents during Phase One, determined by their rankings, leading into a knockout stage where match pairings depend on Phase One performance.

Notable Recent Trends

The 2024 Leagues Cup was won by Columbus Crew, who triumphed over Los Angeles FC with two stoppage-time goals. The last tournament also featured Lionel Messi’s debut for Inter Miami CF, where he scored 10 goals, earning himself both the Golden Boot and MVP accolades.

Fans can enjoy various viewing features on Apple TV, such as Multiview, allowing them to watch up to four matches simultaneously, and the Catch Up feature, which shows key moments for those who join a match late. The tournament’s structure ensures various teams host games, facilitating less travel for top-ranked Liga MX clubs, which enhances the viewing experience for fans.