Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced significant changes to the participation criteria for North American club competitions starting in 2025. The new structure will ensure that all 30 MLS clubs compete in select tournaments, focusing on player workload management and guaranteeing that each team participates in at least two major competitions during the 2025 season
New Criteria for MLS Competitions in 2025
MLS is revamping its approach to tournaments across North America to enhance the competition landscape. Beginning in 2025, all 30 clubs will compete in key North American events, which include the Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup. These changes will impact the upcoming 2025 and 2026 MLS seasons, as the league adjusts to a rapidly evolving soccer scene, especially with major international tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup and World Cup taking place in North America.
The criteria will be evaluated again in 2027 to accommodate further changes in the soccer environment.
Leagues Cup: 36-Team Tournament
In the 2025 Leagues Cup, a historic 36-team format will see 18 MLS teams face off against an equal number of Liga MX teams. The top nine teams from each MLS conference in 2024 will earn automatic spots in the tournament, creating an exciting and competitive tournament.
However, due to the Vancouver Whitecaps’ involvement in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Canadian Championship, San Diego FC, an expansion team, will take their place in the Leagues Cup.
U.S. Open Cup: Expanded MLS Participation
The 2025 U.S. Open Cup, one of the oldest soccer competitions in the United States, will see an increase in MLS participation, with 16 MLS teams competing. Additionally, 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams will join the fray, further enhancing the competition’s excitement. Teams not participating in either the CONCACAF Champions Cup or Leagues Cup will automatically qualify for the tournament, accounting for nine of the 16 MLS teams. The remaining seven spots will be filled based on Supporters’ Shield standings, excluding teams already involved in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Canadian Championship: Full Participation
In 2025, all three Canadian teams—Toronto FC, CF Montreal, and Vancouver Whitecaps—will compete in the Canadian Championship, continuing their long-standing participation in the tournament.
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Qualification Process
The qualification criteria for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup will be determined by CONCACAF, with MLS clubs vying for spots in this prestigious competition. However, the qualification process remains subject to changes that could influence the teams involved.
MLS Teams in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
In addition to their domestic commitments, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and the Seattle Sounders, featuring Jesus Ferreira, will represent MLS in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This will be a major opportunity for the clubs to showcase their talents on the global stage, as both teams also balance participation in domestic competitions.
Key Dates and Matches
The 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup kicks off on February 4, with Cruz Azul facing Real Hope 4 in the opening match. The first MLS team to compete will be Inter Miami, who will take on Sporting Kansas City on February 18.
The 2025 MLS regular season officially begins on February 22, with a full matchday of games, marking the start of another thrilling season of MLS action.
The MLS’s new participation criteria for North American club competitions in 2025 represent a significant shift in how the league manages its teams and tournaments. With increased participation across various competitions, MLS aims to offer fans more action-packed games while balancing player workload. The 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet for MLS clubs and their fans alike.
