The Return of the Leagues Cup: A New Era of North American Soccer on Apple TV

The eagerly awaited Leagues Cup is set to make a grand return to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Season Pass on Apple TV, beginning July 29, 2025. This year, the tournament, which is sanctioned by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), will showcase an innovative format that brings together top clubs from both Liga MX and Major League Soccer. Soccer enthusiasts from more than 100 countries will have the exclusive opportunity to view every match of this thrilling competition via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, spanning from July 29 to August 31.

An Innovative Tournament Structure

As the Leagues Cup steps into its third year, it introduces a refreshed format that promises to deliver excitement and competitive fervor. The tournament is meticulously structured into two distinct phases: Phase One kicks off on July 29 and sets the stage for the knockout rounds, culminating in the grand finale, the Leagues Cup Final, on August 31. For 2025, the tournament is designed to spotlight MLS versus Liga MX clashes exclusively throughout Phase One and the Quarterfinals, ensuring an exhilarating lineup of matches.

In total, the Leagues Cup 2025 will feature 62 matches, all of which will decisively conclude without any ties. This ensures a definitive outcome for each game, heightening the stakes for the participating teams. As the tournament unfolds, the regular seasons of both MLS and Liga MX will continue throughout August, with most of the Leagues Cup knockout matches scheduled for midweek.

The tournament’s conclusion is not just about crowning a champion; the top three teams will earn automatic qualifications for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This offers them a coveted chance to represent their confederation at the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup, an opportunity that adds an extra layer of competition and motivation.

Players’ Perspectives: Anticipation and Excitement

The Leagues Cup holds a special place in the hearts of many players. San Diego FC’s forward, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, expressed his enthusiasm about participating, stating, “I’m thrilled to play in the Leagues Cup with San Diego FC. It’s a tremendous tournament between MLS and Liga MX, and it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase what San Diego is capable of.” Similarly, C.F. Monterrey midfielder Sergio Canales shared his excitement, reminiscing about how the tournament marked his debut with Rayados de Monterrey. He noted, “The tournament holds significant meaning for me, and the influx of high-profile players in both leagues has elevated its level. It’s bound to gain even more popularity and grow in the coming years.”

Highlights from Previous Seasons

Reflecting on past tournaments, the Leagues Cup has had its fair share of memorable moments. In 2024, Columbus Crew emerged victorious, clinching the trophy in a dramatic fashion against Los Angeles Football Club. The match saw Columbus break a 1-1 tie with two decisive goals during stoppage time, securing their title. The 2023 edition was equally notable with Lionel Messi making his debut for Inter Miami CF. Messi’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as he scored 10 goals in just seven matches, earning him the Leagues Cup Golden Boot and MVP honors, ultimately helping his team win the inaugural tournament title.

For those eager to delve into the complete schedule of the 2025 Leagues Cup and explore additional broadcast details, more information is available on the official website.

How to Experience the Leagues Cup on MLS Season Pass

Subscribers of the MLS Season Pass can look forward to an all-encompassing experience, as they will be able to access live coverage of every Leagues Cup match. The service offers commentary in both English and Spanish, with no region-based blackouts, ensuring uninterrupted access. Additionally, the platform provides an exclusive array of on-demand content, complemented by a robust lineup of complimentary programming, such as Leagues Cup Countdown and Leagues Cup Wrap-Up in English, alongside Spanish-language shows like Leagues Cup La Previa and Leagues Cup El Resumen.

In a bid to enhance its 2025 coverage, MLS Season Pass will introduce five renowned Spanish-language broadcasters to its team. Former players Francisco “Kikín” Fonseca, Pável Pardo, Daniel Brailovsky, and legendary goalkeeper Oswaldo Sánchez, along with Emmy-nominated host Ana Jurka, will join the broadcast team, bringing a wealth of expertise and insight to the tournament’s coverage.

Enhanced Viewing Experience with Apple TV Features

For fans keen on catching every moment of the action, Apple TV offers a Multiview feature that allows viewers to watch up to four simultaneous matches on Apple TV 4K devices and iPads. This ensures that fans never have to miss an exciting moment on the field. Moreover, the Catch Up feature allows viewers who join a match after it has started to quickly catch up on all the essential highlights before seamlessly joining the live broadcast.

The MLS Season Pass is accessible through the Apple TV app on a wide range of devices, including Apple gadgets, Android devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles. Additionally, Apple TV+ subscribers will have access to 37 Leagues Cup matches at no extra charge, including all the knockout round matches. The service also extends to the Apple Vision Pro, offering fans the ability to watch games alongside other apps in their physical space or within an Environment for an expansive viewing experience paired with Spatial Audio for enhanced immersion.

Additional Ways to Engage with the Leagues Cup

For fans seeking a more in-depth engagement with the Leagues Cup, several Apple services provide valuable resources and enhancements:

• Apple Sports App: iPhone users can follow the tournament closely with the Apple Sports app, which offers a streamlined way to stay updated on scores, upcoming games, team stats, and live betting odds. The app has recently become available in Mexico, offering even broader access.
• Apple Music: Soccer fans can get into the spirit of the tournament with exclusive warm-up playlists curated for select matches. These include a refreshed mix from Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi and a brand-new playlist by Diego Luna debuting in Phase One.
• Apple Maps: Fans can explore Guides for every stadium where MLS clubs play, offering insights into the history, unique features, and supporter traditions that define each venue as a hub of soccer culture in North America.
• Apple News App: A dedicated Leagues Cup hub offers the latest news stories, scores, and standings. By subscribing to the Apple News Sports newsletter, fans can receive personalized updates directly to their inbox throughout the tournament.

  The Leagues Cup is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for soccer fans across the globe. With its innovative format, enhanced viewing options, and a host of additional features, it promises to be a landmark event in the world of North American soccer. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit the official Leagues Cup website.

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