MLS and Liga MX Open 2025 Leagues Cup With New No-Tie Format

The 2025 Leagues Cup kicked off on 29 July, renewing the cross-border rivalry between Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX. All 36 clubs—18 from each league—are taking part in the month-long tournament, which will stage 62 matches across the United States and Canada before the final on 31 August. Organisers have introduced a streamlined format featuring three group-stage matches per club. Draws have been eliminated: teams earn a point for finishing level after 90 minutes and can claim an additional point by winning the ensuing penalty shoot-out. The four highest-scoring sides from each league advance directly to the quarter-finals. Broadcast rights are centred on Apple’s MLS Season Pass, which is streaming every game live in more than 100 markets; subscriptions cost US$49 for the tournament and the remainder of the MLS season, or US$39 for existing Apple TV+ subscribers. Selected matches are also being shown by Azteca 7 and other regional networks in Mexico. Beyond the trophy and prize money, the stakes include three berths in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Tuesday’s opening slate featured reigning Leagues Cup holders Columbus Crew hosting Liga MX champions Toluca, while LAFC faced Mazatlán and Tigres travelled to Houston Dynamo, among others.