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MLS announces new competition formats for 2025, featuring San Diego FC and expanded participation in various tournaments.

Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a revamped competition structure for North American tournaments starting in 2025, ensuring all 30 MLS clubs participate in select events. The Leagues Cup will feature 18 MLS teams alongside 18 Liga MX clubs, with the top nine teams from each MLS conference qualifying based on their previous season`s standings. Notably, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will not participate in the 2025 Leagues Cup due to their involvement in the Concacaf Champions Cup and their title defense in the Canadian Championship. Instead, expansion club San Diego FC will take their place, allowing every MLS team to compete in at least one, but no more than two, North American cup competitions.

The U.S. Open Cup will see an increase in participation from MLS first teams, rising from eight to 16. Additionally, 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams will also compete, with the 16 MLS teams entering the tournament in the Round of 32. Eight of these teams will host their opening matches. Qualification for the U.S. Open Cup hinges on teams not participating in the Leagues Cup or Concacaf Champions Cup, as well as their standings in the Supporters` Shield.

In the Concacaf Champions Cup, 10 MLS clubs will compete in the 2025 tournament, scheduled from February 4 to June 1. The reigning MLS Cup champion, LA Galaxy, and the Leagues Cup champion, Columbus Crew, will enter in the Round of 16, while eight other MLS teams will kick off in Round One. The Canadian Championship will include all three Canadian-based MLS clubs: CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. These strategic changes aim to enhance competition and provide meaningful opportunities for all MLS teams throughout the season. For more details, visit Major League Soccer and MLS competitions.

#MLS2025,#LeaguesCup,#USOpenCup,#Concacaf,#SanDiegoFC