Major League Soccer has announced the qualification criteria for official North American cup competitions in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, as well as the 2025 participants. The four tournaments include the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Canadian Championship, providing opportunities for clubs to compete outside of MLS play.
Minnesota United will participate in both Leagues Cup and the U.S. Open Cup in 2025. The qualification structure rewards club performance and ensures each MLS club has the opportunity to compete in at least one, but no more than two, North American competitions concurrently with the league season.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC will not participate in Leagues Cup 2025, with expansion club San Diego FC taking their place. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will see an increase in MLS first teams participating, with 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams also competing.
The 2025 season will feature 10 MLS clubs in the Concacaf Champions Cup, 18 MLS clubs in Leagues Cup facing off against Liga MX teams, 16 MLS teams and 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams in the U.S. Open Cup, and all three Canadian-based MLS teams in the Canadian Championship. The competitions will take place throughout the year, providing exciting opportunities for clubs to compete for championships.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
