The Major League Soccer (MLS) has recently laid out a progressive framework for club participation in North American cup competitions, marking a crucial step in optimizing competitive balance and player welfare. This upcoming shift for the 2025 and 2026 seasons aims not only to enhance the league’s presence in existing cup tournaments but also to address past grievances related to competitive opportunities for all teams involved.
For the 2025 season, MLS will adopt guidelines that will shape the participation of 30 teams in four major North American competitions: the U.S. Open Cup, the Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the Canadian Championship. The announcement comes as part of a broader initiative to ensure that all clubs maintain a competitive balance while handling the workload of their players effectively.
The most notable change is the significant increase in the number of MLS teams competing in the U.S. Open Cup, rising from just eight in 2024 to 16 in 2025. This serves as a direct response to previous criticisms regarding limited participation opportunities for first teams, aiming to reinvigorate interest and investment in a tournament steeped in tradition and history.
While the U.S. Open Cup will see expanded participation, the Leagues Cup—a joint competition with Liga MX—will see a reduction in the number of participating MLS teams, dropping to 18. Only the top nine teams from each conference in the prior season will qualify for this prestigious tournament. This strategic move allows both leagues to better manage their respective teams’ seasons while still fostering a competitive atmosphere.
This decision has its strategic merits, particularly at a time when MLS looks to solidify its standing as a formidable presence in international soccer. The chance to refine the approach to competitions by aligning with Liga MX clubs could lead to more competitive matches, drawing greater fan engagement across North America.
The new guidelines incorporate a sense of inclusivity, ensuring that every MLS club will have a chance to compete in at least one but no more than two cup competitions concurrently with the league season. Notably, clubs that do not qualify for major tournaments like the Leagues Cup or Concacaf Champions Cup will have the opportunity to participate in the U.S. Open Cup, which will feature a mix of both seasoned and emerging teams.
In a move towards recognizing talent development within its structure, MLS will also include 10 teams from the MLS Next Pro league in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup. This not only offers younger talent invaluable exposure on a larger stage but also encourages a more vibrant and competitive environment throughout the league ecosystem.
Even with these advancements, questions remain about the sustainability and structure of MLS competitions moving forward. The MLS has indicated that qualification criteria for cup participation beyond 2027 will undergo review, suggesting that ongoing adjustments may be necessary as the league evolves. This forward-thinking approach is vital to ensuring the league remains dynamic in an ever-changing soccer landscape.
Moreover, the MLS Cup landscape will experience disruption as clubs like the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami prepare for the Club World Cup in mid-2025. The league’s pause for this international tournament signifies a growing recognition of its teams’ capabilities on the global stage and the need for scheduling flexibility as its clubs strive for success.
The finalized list of MLS teams participating in the various cup competitions for 2025 encompasses a mix of expectations and aspirations. The distribution across tournaments—from the U.S. Open Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup to individual Canadian Championship entries—highlights a dual focus on competitive integrity and the broader growth of soccer across North America.
As teams prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, fans and stakeholders alike will be observing how these regulations will shape both the immediate competition and the long-term trajectory of Major League Soccer. The evolving nature of these cup competitions reflects the league’s commitment to continuous improvement while also maintaining a rich tapestry of soccer culture in the United States and Canada.