New York (AFP) – Defending champion Columbus Crew will open against Toluca while 2023 winner Inter Miami debuts against Atlas when the 2025 Leagues Cup kicks off in July, regional governing body CONCACAF announced Tuesday. The US-based event features all 18 teams from Mexico’s Liga MX and MLS, which will enter 17 of 18 teams that reached last year’s playoffs and expansion newcomer San Diego FC in place of Vancouver.
A revamped format ensures MLS and Mexican foes will meet in all first round and quarter-final matches in the Leagues Cup, which runs from July 29 through August 31. The opening group phase launches July 29 with the Crew hosting Toluca. Columbus will also host Puebla on August 1 and Leon on August 5.
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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the second overall seed, will host Atlas on July 30, Necaxa on August 2, and Pumas on August 6. Top seed Cruz Azul will visit Seattle on July 31, the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 3, and face Colorado at the Galaxy’s home stadium as part of a closing group stage double-header on August 7.
The quarter-finals will be played on August 19-20, with the semi-finals on August 26-27 and the championship match on August 31.
© 2024 AFP
