Which MLS teams are in Leagues Cup? Simply put: 18 MLS clubs qualified for the 2025 Leagues Cup, mostly. One exception—Vancouver Whitecaps FC—dropped out due to other tournament commitments and were replaced by expansion side San Diego FC.
Below, CandyGoal walks you through the full list of MLS participants, the qualification rules, key storylines, and what this means for fans watching the showdown between MLS and Liga MX.
MLS qualification: how teams made it
The 2025 Leagues Cup features a revised format. Unlike the previous editions where nearly every MLS team was included, this year only 18 MLS teams earned spots.
The basic qualifying mechanism:
- The top nine MLS teams from each conference that reached the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs were granted entry.
- Because Vancouver Whitecaps FC were busy with the Canadian Championship and other commitments, their slot was passed to San Diego FC, bringing the MLS total back to 18.
This setup ensures a leaner, more competitive MLS presence and prevents clubs.
MLS clubs in the 2025 Leagues Cup
Here are the 18 MLS teams that took part in the 2025 Leagues Cup showdown:
- Atlanta United FC
- Charlotte FC
- FC Cincinnati
- Colorado Rapids
- Columbus Crew
- Houston Dynamo FC
- Inter Miami CF
- LA Galaxy
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
- Minnesota United FC
- CF Montréal
- New York City FC
- New York Red Bulls
- Orlando City SC
- Portland Timbers
- Real Salt Lake
- San Diego FC (replacement for Vancouver)
- Seattle Sounders FC
These squads represent a mix of powerhouse franchises, rising clubs, and fan favorites ready to test themselves against Liga MX opposition.
Key storylines and MLS teams to watch
1. Inter Miami CF – Star power meets expectation
With Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez on the roster, Inter Miami brought global eyes to the Leagues Cup. After winning the tournament in 2023, Miami returned as favorites, though they ultimately fell short in the 2025 final.
2. Seattle Sounders FC – Home glory and redemption
Seattle knocked off Miami 3–0 in front of a record-breaking crowd at Lumen Field to claim their first-ever Leagues Cup title. Their win marked the first Leagues Cup trophy to stay with an MLS team since Miami’s win in 2023.
3. San Diego FC – The wildcard
As a brand-new expansion team, San Diego FC’s inclusion — replacing the Whitecaps — added an unpredictable element to the tournament. Their participation underscores how competition scheduling can open doors for growing franchises.
4. Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati – Consistent playoff contenders
Both Ohio clubs have regularly pushed deep into MLS postseason play, and their Leagues Cup runs tested their readiness against international competition. Columbus, the defending MLS Cup winner, entered with momentum and ambition.
What the format means for MLS teams
- Each MLS team in the Leagues Cup played three group-stage matches, all against Liga MX clubs. There were no intra-MLS games during this phase.
- The top four MLS teams.
- Success in Leagues Cup also affected qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, adding another layer of significance to MLS teams’ performances.
By condensing MLS participation to the top playoff teams, the tournament aimed to elevate competitive quality while avoiding fixture congestion for clubs already juggling multiple competitions.
Challenges and controversies
While the Leagues Cup format generated excitement, it also stirred debates:
- Excluding Vancouver Whitecaps—The decision to replace them with San Diego FC drew criticism among fans and analysts, especially given the Whitecaps’ traditional Canadian Championship presence.
- Player availability and fatigue—For teams like Inter Miami, balancing star player appearances and avoiding injuries became a real challenge, especially when facing high-stakes international matchups.
- Tournament scheduling—The one-month format squeezed Leagues Cup matches between MLS regular season fixtures, raising concerns about player workload and strategic prioritization for clubs. League officials responded by limiting how many additional cup competitions each team could enter.
How fans can follow the action
CandyGoal recommends these tips for watching and understanding the Leagues Cup:
- Most Leagues Cup games are streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV+, with select matches on FS1, UniMás, and TUDN.
- Keep an eye on how MLS teams perform not just for tournament glory, but also for qualification to CONCACAF competitions—strong showings can lead to Champions Cup or even Club World Cup spots.
- For die-hard fans, tracking how individual MLS players—especially those, and Cincinnati—adapt to high-pressure, interleague rivalries offers a revealing lens on squad depth and approach.
Conclusion
Which MLS teams are in Leagues Cup? In 2025, eighteen MLS sides—, to newcomer San Diego FC—earned their spots through playoff performance or situational replacements. CandyGoal has broken down how they qualified, key storylines to watch, and what the Leagues Cup means for club ambitions beyond North America.
Want player profiles, match breakdowns, or Leagues Cup match schedules? CandyGoal will be your go-to source—stay tuned for season previews, tactical deep dives, and match reviews that bring the tournament to life.
