Leagues Cup Group Stage Preview

When the whistle blows on July 29, it will mark the start of the third edition of the Leagues Cup. A tournament that has quickly established itself as North America’s premier club competition. The month-long soccer festival brings together the best of MLS and Liga MX in a compelling cross-border showdown that will crown a continental champion on August 31.

The Leagues Cup journey began modestly in 2019 with just four teams, but the 2023 expansion transformed it into the spectacle we know today. That year gave us our first real glimpse of the tournament’s potential when Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to glory in its debut season, captivating audiences across the continent. Columbus Crew followed as champions in 2024, giving MLS a perfect 2-0 record over its Mexican counterparts in the competition’s current format.

What makes the 2025 edition revolutionary is how it has been seamlessly integrated into the schedules of both leagues. Unlike previous years, when domestic competitions were on hiatus, this year’s 36 teams (18 from each league) will juggle Leagues Cup matches alongside their regular-season games. It’s a balancing act that adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling tournament.

What’s at Stake: More than a Trophy

The Leagues Cup may seem like just another tournament in a packed schedule, but make no mistake: this competition carries significant weight for the 36 participating clubs.

First and foremost,three coveted spots in the CONCACAF Champions League are up for grabs. The champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher will secure their tickets to the region’s premier club competition, offering a clearer path to potential global glory. Especially for mid-table MLS teams, this represents a backdoor entry into continental competition that they might otherwise miss out on during league play.

Speaking of global aspirations, the winner of the Leagues Cup wins something even more valuable: qualification to represent CONCACAF in future FIFA international club competitions. With the expanded format of the Club World Cup now in effect, this path could lead to clashes against European giants such as Real Madrid or Manchester City. Games that generate worldwide exposure and invaluable experience.

Then there is the money. While the exact figures are not publicly disclosed, the prize pool is substantial. Beyond the immediate cash injection, deep runs translate into full stadiums, merchandise sales, and better sponsorship opportunities. For smaller market teams, a windfall from the Leagues Cup can fundamentally alter their financial trajectory.

The New Format: How It Works

The 2025 Leagues Cup brings a new approach to North American club competition: a simplified format designed to maximize Liga MX-MLS matchups and minimize disruption to national league schedules.

A total of 36 teams will battle for continental supremacy: 18 from Major League Soccer and 18 from Liga MX. Unlike previous editions that forced a complete pause in league play, this year’s tournament runs concurrently with each league’s regular season throughout August, creating a month packed with soccer in North America.

The competition structure features two distinct phases. The first phase lays the groundwork with a points-based system that rewards aggressive play. Teams earn three points for regulation wins, but here’s where things get interesting—there are no draws in the Leagues Cup. If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, both teams receive one point, and the game goes directly to a penalty shootout. The winner of the penalty shootout earns an additional point, creating strategic decisions on how to approach the final minutes of close matches.

Groups

As mentioned, the teams are divided into two groups of 18 teams each, with only the best advancing to the tournament playoffs.

Group A consists of all MLS teams, while Group B has all Liga MX teams. With this, we have the same number of teams from each group, country, or league advancing to the next phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup.

Key Matchups in the Group Stage

The group stage of the Leagues Cup promises some mouthwatering matchups that could set the tone for the entire tournament.

The Inter Miami against Atlas matchup stands out as perhaps the most anticipated clash. Now, with Argentine superstar Leo Messi healthy, this tactical chess match between star-studded teams could be an early classic of the tournament.

Real Salt Lake against Club America also feels like a great opening match. The Columbus Crew’s tactical system will be severely tested when they face Toluca. This matchup pits the defending champions’ methodical, possession-based approach against the Diablos Rojos.

For pure entertainment value, Seattle Sounders against Cruz Azul could offer the most explosive matchup of the tournament. Both teams employ high-pressure systems that should create a frenetic pace and plenty of transition opportunities.

As well as these, we will have many top-level matches in this Group Stage, which we invite you not to miss a single second of the games in this first stage of the tournament.

MLS vs. Liga MX: A very short gap in 2025

The rivalry between Major League Soccer and Liga MX has evolved dramatically over the past five years, with the competitive gap narrowing in a way few would have predicted. Gone are the days when Mexican clubs could claim undisputed superiority in North American club soccer.

Since the inception of the Leagues Cup format in 2023, MLS teams have won both titles: first, Inter Miami’s dramatic run led by Messi, then Columbus Crew’s tactical masterclass last year. This shift represents more than just tournament success; it signals a fundamental change in the competitive balance between the leagues.

Head-to-head results tell a compelling story. In the 2024 edition, MLS teams won 60% of direct matchups against their Mexican counterparts, a stark reversal of the historical dominance that Liga MX enjoyed for decades. Even more revealing is how these victories have been achieved. MLS teams are no longer “parking the bus” and waiting for counterattack opportunities; many now control possession and dictate the game against traditionally technical Mexican teams.