MLS announced new participation criteria for North American club competitions beginning in 2025
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MLS releases new criteriaLeagues Cup: 18 MLS, 18 Liga MX sides16 MLS teams to play in Open CupGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
MLS announced new criteria for North American competitions beginning in 2025, highlighted by all 30 MLS clubs participating in select events. The aim is to manage player workload and ensure that each team competes in at least two North American cup competitions that run in 2025 through the MLS regular season.
The changes are in effect immediately and will run through the 2025 and 2026 MLS seasons. With the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026 on domestic soil, soccer continues to evolve in North America, and MLS is changing as a result.
The process will be re-evaluated in 2027 as the soccer landscape in North America grows.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Leagues Cup: MLS will have 18 teams qualify for the 2025 edition of the tournament, matching 18 Liga MX teams. The top nine finishers from each respective MLS conference in 2024 will qualify for the 2025 tournament. However, due to the Vancouver Whitecaps' participation in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Canadian Championship, MLS expansion side San Diego FC will take their spot.
Open Cup: In the 2025 edition of the United States' most historic competition, the number of MLS clubs competing will increase from eight to 16, with 10 MLS NEXT Pro sides be competing as well. Teams not competing in either the Champions Cup or the Leagues Cup automatically qualify for the competition, which accounts for nine of the 16 teams. The remaining seven teams will be determined by Supporters’ Shield standings, excluding teams competing in the Champions Cup.
Canadian Championship: All three MLS teams in Canada will compete.
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Criteria will remain determined by CONCACAF.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Jesus Ferreira's Seattle Sounders will be MLS' lone participants in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MLS?
The 2025 Champions Cup begins on Feb. 4 when Cruz Azul take on Real Hope 4. The first match involving an MLS club will be Feb. 18 when Messi's and Miami clash with Sporting Kansas City.
Meanwhile, the regular season kicks off on Feb. 22 with a full matchday of games.
