Leagues Cup 2025 New Format Explained: Start, end date, teams, structure, grouping, rules, points system, ranking, tickets, how to watch and stream online
Leagues Cup 2025 new format has been explained. Leagues Cup 2025 will bring changes to its structure, format and viewing options. Featuring clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, this tournament is set to provide more interleague matches. The competition starts on July 29 and ends on August 31. The 2025 edition of Leagues Cup will include 36 teams. These are the top 18 clubs from MLS and Liga MX based on 2024 season standings. One exception is the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who will be replaced by San Diego FC.
Teams are divided into two regions: Eastern and Western. Each region consists of 18 teams, with equal representation from MLS and Liga MX.Each region is organized into three tiers: Tier 1: Teams ranked 1–3 from each league
Tier 2: Teams ranked 4–6
Tier 3: Teams ranked 7–9
From these tiers, six sets are created. Each set includes one team from each league and tier. This format ensures every team faces three interleague opponents in the group phase.
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The No Draws rule continues in 2025. Here's how points are awarded:
Win in regulation = 3 points
Tie after 90 minutes = 1 point each, followed by penalty shootout
Winner of penalty shootout = additional 1 point There are no extra time periods. All tied matches go straight to penalties.Teams earn points within league-specific tables: MLS teams ranked only against other MLS teams
Liga MX teams ranked only against Liga MX teams
This structure ensures more MLS vs Liga MX matches. After the group stage: Top 4 teams from each league advance
Eight teams go to the Quarterfinals, followed by Semifinals
Winners move to the Final; losers play in the Third Place match
The top 3 teams qualify for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The winner earns a Round of 16 spot directly. Start Date: July 29, 2025
End Date: August 31, 2025
Group matches and knockouts will occur without fully halting the MLS and Liga MX seasons
Knockout matches will now take place during midweek to reduce league disruption
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You can watch the 2025 Leagues Cup online in several ways:
Apple TV (MLS Season Pass):
Apple TV+ subscribers: $39 Non-subscribers: $49Includes all MLS and Leagues Cup matches
Fox Sports:
Select matches aired
Stream via DirecTV, Sling Blue, Fubo, Hulu + Live TVDirecTV offers 5-day free trialFubo: 7-day trial | Hulu + Live TV: 3-day trial
Tickets for matches are available through multiple platforms: StubHub
Ticket Network
VividSeats
SeatGeek
How can I watch the Leagues Cup 2025 matches online?
You can stream it live using Apple TV's MLS Season Pass, or through Fox Sports on DirecTV, Fubo, Sling Blue, and Hulu + Live TV platforms.
How are teams selected for Leagues Cup 2025?
Eighteen top-ranked teams from both MLS and Liga MX based on 2024 standings qualify, with Vancouver replaced by San Diego FC.
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