MLS Updates 2025 North American Cup Participation

The U.S. Open Cup, America's oldest soccer tournament, is set to see increased participation from Major League Soccer (MLS) teams with 16 first teams confirmed for the 2025 edition, up from eight the previous year. This change comes after MLS's earlier decision to send reserve squads in 2024 drew significant backlash from U.S. Soccer and fans, leading to negotiations for better conditions, including improved travel reimbursements and venue standards. MLS has also revamped its qualification criteria for various North American cup competitions, allowing each club to participate in up to two tournaments concurrently. This includes the revamped Leagues Cup featuring 18 MLS and Liga MX teams and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. These strategic changes aim to manage player workload while promoting competitive opportunities for clubs.