The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup will feature ten Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, each earning their spot through various significant performances in the 2024 season. This 27-team tournament offers a pathway to prominent global competitions, such as the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Colorado Rapids secured their berth by claiming third place in the 2024 Leagues Cup. Throughout the tournament, they dispatched four LIGA MX teams, earning a memorable victory in a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout against Club América. Although they fell to LAFC in the semifinals, a resilient Colorado defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 in another shootout during the Third Place Match, thanks to two crucial saves from Zack Steffen, marking their ticket to the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Columbus Crew triumphed as the 2024 Leagues Cup champions, a win that highlights a successful period under head coach Wilfried Nancy. Their path to victory included a decisive 3-1 win over LAFC in the final, propelled by late goals from Cucho Hernández and Jacen Russell-Rowe. This achievement grants them an automatic entry to the Round of 16 in the tournament.
FC Cincinnati achieved qualification by finishing fifth in the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield standings with 59 points. Given that the top four teams had secured spots through other routes, Cincinnati’s consistent performance in the season, highlighted by the efforts of Lucho Acosta and Luca Orellano, earned them a place in the tournament.
Inter Miami CF dominated the Supporters’ Shield race, amassing an MLS record of 74 points, prominently led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The team’s impressive season ensures their presence in the Concacaf Champions Cup, as they aim to continue their trophy-winning momentum with new head coach Javier Mascherano at the helm.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) entered the tournament as the 2024 Leagues Cup runner-up and winners of the 2024 US Open Cup after a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. Although they lost to the Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup final, their strong overall play secured their position in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The LA Galaxy earned their entry by winning their sixth MLS Cup, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in front of their home fans. This achievement signifies the Galaxy’s resurgence to the top of MLS and guarantees their spot in the upcoming tournament.
Real Salt Lake capitalized on their sixth-place finish in the Supporters’ Shield standings to secure their tournament berth. Their strong regular season featured standout performances from Cristian Arango and MLS Young Player of the Year Diego Luna, marking a pivotal year for the club.
Seattle Sounders FC also qualified through the Supporters’ Shield standings, ending the season in seventh place. The team showed resilience by advancing to the Western Conference Final, ultimately led by the impressive contributions from Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák.
Sporting Kansas City gained entry to the tournament as US Open Cup finalists. Their journey included wins against lower-division teams and a notable victory over Indy Eleven before falling to LAFC in the final. Due to LAFC’s prior qualification, Kansas City secured their spot via the US Open Cup route.
Lastly, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC captured their third consecutive Canadian Championship title. Goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer played a crucial role with key saves during the penalty shootout against Toronto FC, ensuring the team’s participation in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup promises to be a showcase of top MLS talent, underscored by the diverse paths these ten clubs took to qualify. Each team has demonstrated resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting international competition ahead.
