The unforgettable triumph of the 2024 Leagues Cup, where the Columbus Crew lifted the trophy at Lower.com Field, remains a vivid memory, cementing their status as a top-tier North American soccer team.
The 2025 Leagues Cup promises another month-long battle, running from July 29 to August 31. This high-stakes continental showdown brings together 18 of the best clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and all 18 teams from LIGA MX, with the Black & Gold poised and ready to embark on their ambitious title defense.
The stakes are notably high: the top three finishers in the tournament qualify for the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC), with the Leagues Cup Champion earning a direct bye into the CCC Round of 16. Fans across over 100 countries and regions can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with select matches also broadcast on TelevisaUnivision’s networks, FOX Sports, TSN, and RDS.
Tournament Format
Phase One: The League vs. League Gauntlet
Phase One kicks off on July 29 and concludes on August 7, featuring an intense schedule of fifty-four interleague rivalry matches over nine days. Teams are initially divided evenly into two regions, Eastern and Western, with 18 teams each. Within these regions, clubs are sorted into three tiers based on their 2024 Leagues Cup Ranking, which combines MLS Supporters' Shield standings and LIGA MX Clausura/Apertura performance. Each club will play three matches, exclusively against opponents from the opposite league.
This format significantly amplifies the inherent MLS vs. LIGA MX rivalry. It transforms individual club matches into proxy battles for league supremacy. For Columbus sports fans, this adds a compelling layer of collective pride: every Crew victory over a LIGA MX opponent not only aids their team's advancement but also contributes to MLS's overall performance and bragging rights in the tournament.
Teams earn 3 points for a regulation win. If a game is tied after 90 minutes, each team receives one point, and the winner of the subsequent penalty shootout earns an additional point. There are no ties in the final standings.
Knockout Rounds & Road to the Final
The Knockout Rounds kick off with the Quarterfinals on August 19-20. Just a week later, the Semifinals will determine who vies for the title on August 26-27. All eyes will then turn to Sunday, August 31, when the champion is crowned in the Final, and the third CCC berth is secured in the Third-Place Match.
The Black & Gold's Road to Repeat
The 2025 Squad: New Faces and a Resilient Core
In a significant move in February 2025, superstar forward Cucho Hernández, the 2024 Leagues Cup final MVP and a pivotal figure in the Crew's recent trophy haul (contributing 58 goals in 92 appearances across all competitions), officially transferred to LaLiga side Real Betis for a club-record fee. Cucho's departure presents a profound test of the team's collective resilience, tactical adaptability, and squad depth. This creates a compelling narrative for fans: Can the Crew prove their championship success wasn't solely reliant on one individual?
Despite Cucho's exit, the squad still boasts formidable talent and experience. Dynamic forward Diego Rossi and Veteran captain Darlington Nagbe remain key players. Young talents continue to rise through the ranks, including Jacen Russell-Rowe, who scored the clinching goal in the 2024 final.
Home Field Advantage: The Lower.com Field Roar
The Crew will kick off their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign at Lower.com Field, where they will host all three of their crucial Phase One matches. Their schedule includes a highly anticipated opener defending Liga MX champion Toluca on July 29, followed by matches against Puebla on August 1, and Club León on August 5.
Given the new league-specific tables, maximizing points at home in Phase One is not just about winning individual games; it is a strategic imperative. This transforms fan support from mere cheering into a tangible strategic asset. The louder and more passionate the crowd at Lower.com Field, the more intimidating the environment becomes for visiting LIGA MX teams. It is a direct call to action for Columbus fans to get rowdy and make an impact!
Tickets for all Leagues Cup games are available here.
