Major League Soccer (MLS) has unveiled its qualification framework for clubs participating in North American cup competitions during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This announcement shines a spotlight on several prestigious tournaments: the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, US Open Cup, and the Canadian Championship. These competitions provide MLS clubs with significant opportunities to compete for honors beyond regular league play.

Importantly, the Seattle Sounders FC and Inter Miami CF will be representing MLS at the highly anticipated FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, joining elite teams from across the globe this upcoming summer.

Cup Qualification Breakdown

The qualification criteria for the 2025 and 2026 seasons encapsulate player performance, manage player fatigue, and ensure that every MLS team competes in at least one but no more than two concurrent competitions with the league season. This strategic move allows clubs to maximize their competitive edge while navigating the congested calendar of international and domestic tournaments. This structure will be revisited in 2027 as the competitive landscape of soccer continues to develop.

Overview of Each Tournament

Concacaf Champions Cup

This prestigious tournament will feature ten MLS clubs starting February 4, culminating on June 1. Notably, the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, and the previous Leagues Cup champions, Columbus Crew, will enter the tournament starting in the Round of 16.

Leagues Cup

The Leagues Cup will once again bring together 18 MLS clubs, matched up against an equal number of teams from Liga MX. This electrifying tournament is scheduled from July 29 to August 31, showcasing North America's top talent.

US Open Cup

The US Open Cup gains a stronger representation from MLS, expanding its participation from 8 to 16 teams. Additionally, 10 teams from MLS NEXT Pro will also compete. Notably, only US-based MLS clubs are eligible, with teams not involved in the other cups automatically qualifying.

Canadian Championship

All three Canadian MLS teams – CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC – will compete for supremacy in this tournament, set to run from April through October.

Key Competitions and Participating Clubs in 2025

MLS Eastern Conference Clubs

- FC Cincinnati: Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup - Columbus Crew: Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup - Toronto FC: Canadian Championship - Charlotte FC: Leagues Cup, US Open Cup - New England Revolution: US Open Cup

MLS Western Conference Clubs

- LA Galaxy: Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup - Seattle Sounders FC: Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup - Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Concacaf Champions Cup, Canadian Championship - Austin FC: US Open Cup

2025 promises to be an exhilarating year for Major League Soccer teams as they juggle multiple avenues for glory. With high stakes at each tournament, clubs have an opportunity to shine on bigger stages, enhancing their visibility and fostering a competitive spirit both domestically and abroad. As fans eagerly await these competitions, one question arises: which team will rise to the challenge and make their mark in North America's soccer landscape? Stay tuned!