MLS Expands U.S. Open Cup First-Team Participation Amid Revised Tournament Frameworks

Major League Soccer announces updated qualification criteria for four North American tournaments, doubling first-team involvement in the U.S. Open Cup for 2025.

• MLS has introduced a new participation structure for its 30 teams, ensuring each club competes in at least one, but no more than two, North American tournaments in 2025.
• The U.S. Open Cup will see 16 MLS first teams involved this year, doubling the participation from 2024, alongside 10 reserve teams from MLS Next Pro.
• The Leagues Cup will feature 18 MLS teams, reduced from last year, with the top nine teams from each conference qualifying based on the 2024 standings.
• Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders will compete in three tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting their busy schedules in 2025.
• MLS and U.S. Soccer have made progress in addressing past disagreements over the U.S. Open Cup, with discussions on improving travel reimbursement, transparency, and promotion ongoing.

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