Leagues Cup Schedule 2025 launches July 29, 36 teams, every group phase match MLS vs Liga MX. Get the full Leagues Cup schedule, standings format, spotlight on New York City vs Puebla, Columbus Crew and key dates & venues.
⚽ League Cup Schedule
The 2025 Leagues Cup runs July 29–August 31, featuring 36 teams 18 from MLS and 18 from Liga MX. The format pits each MLS side exclusively against Liga MX opponents in the Phase One group stage, which runs July 29–August 7.
Unlike previous formats, all three group matches for every team are strictly MLS vs Liga MX creating 54 rivalry fixtures before the knockout rounds begin. After group play, the top four MLS and Liga MX teams advance to the knockout stage culminating in the final on August 31.
New York City FC vs Club Puebla: Group Opener
NYCFC opens its campaign on Tuesday, July 29 at 5 pm ET (8 pm local) at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, facing Puebla their first ever encounter.
This match kicks off their three-game group slate, followed by home games vs Club Leon on August 1, and Deportivo Toluca at Yankee Stadium on August 5.
According to Hudson River Blue, the opener is key Puebla enters cold from the Liga MX table, while NYCFC rides confidence after recent MLS success.
Columbus Crew: Defending Champs Begin at Home
Columbus Crew, 2024 Leagues Cup champions, host all group games at Lower.com Field, starting with a marquee opener against Toluca on July 29 at 7 pm ET.
Their other group opponents: Puebla on August 1, and Leon on August 5 – a challenging slate of Liga MX foes.
The Crew target becoming the first back to back winners in tournament history and lean on offensive stars and home advantage to advance.
Format & Standings Explained
The group phase standings are separated: MLS teams rank among other MLS clubs, and Liga MX separately. All matches are MLS vs Liga MX no intra league play until knockout rounds.
Points system:
- 3 points for regulation wins
- Tied after 90 minutes – 1 point + penalty shootout win gives additional +1 point
No draws in standings.
Top four teams per league progress to the bracket stage (quarterfinals, semifinals, final) plus a third place match. The top 3 overall qualify for 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Schedule Summary & Key Dates
Group Stage (MLS vs Liga MX)
- July 29-August 7: All Phase One matches 54 total matchups across both leagues.
Knockout round
- Quarter finals: August 19-20
- Semi finals: August 26-27
- Final: Sunday, August 31
Highlights: Must-Watch Matchups
Several marquee fixtures to watch during Phase One include:
- Columbus Crew vs Toluca (opening match)
- NYCFC vs Puebla
- America vs Real Salt Lake
- LAFC vs Pachuca
- Inter Miami vs Atlas
- Chivas vs NY Red Bulls
The Crew Toluca opener and NYC – Puebla stand out as significant showdowns with playoff style stakes early on.
How to Watch & Broadcast Info
All 62 matches of the tournament will be streamed via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+, with select games on FS1, UniMás, TUDN and regionally on TSN/RDS in Canada.
NYCFC’s match vs Puebla is televised with English and Spanish broadcast teams and ticket availability is via primary partners with competitive pricing and seat guarantees.
Context: MLS, Liga MX & Tournament Importance
The format revamp aims to limit travel for Liga MX teams, reduce fatigue and elevate competitive balance. Only top 18 MLS clubs from 2024 qualify down from full participation ensuring high level play only.
The revamped tournament positions itself as a true inter league rivalry with intense Phase One matchups and awards CCL qualification to top three finishers all adding weight to each group game.