Even though the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup is still fresh in our memories, with CF Pachuca of Liga MX recently clinching the title, it’s already time to think ahead to the 2025 edition. Clubs have a unique opportunity to compete against one another in order to be named the greatest in the Concacaf region thanks to this thrilling competition that features elite teams from several continents, such as Central America, North America, and the Caribbean.
So, how does one get to play in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup? Let’s break it down:
How to Qualify
Liga MX: Out of the 27 teams that will compete, six will hail from Liga MX. The two champions and runners-up from both the 2023 Apertura and the 2024 Clausura will automatically earn their spots. So far, Club America and Tigres UANL are already set for the 2025 tournament. The final two spots will go to the Mexican teams with the highest points over both seasons.
MLS: Five MLS teams will also be part of the 2025 Champions Cup. The winners of the 2024 MLS Cup will secure one of these spots. Additionally, the regular season champions from the Eastern and Western Conferences will join them. The remaining two places will be filled by the next highest point earners from the regular season.
Canadian Premier League: The Canadian Premier League will contribute two teams to the tournament. These will be the winners of the 2024 CPL Championship and the 2024 CPL Shield.
Domestic Cups:
- Canadian Championship: The victor of this cup will earn a spot in the 2025 Champions Cup.
- U.S. Open Cup: The champion here will also qualify for the upcoming tournament.
Regional Cups:
- Leagues Cup: The top three teams from the 2024 Leagues Cup, including the winner and the second and third-place finishers, will automatically qualify.
- Caribbean Cup: The top three teams from the Caribbean Cup will make it to the 2025 tournament, with the top three spots up for grabs.
- Central American Cup: Four semifinalists will qualify, along with two additional teams from the quarterfinals who win their play-in matches.
With the stage set for another thrilling competition, it’s clear that the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup will feature a diverse lineup of talent from across the region. As we anticipate another year of top-tier football, keep an eye out for these qualifying teams and get ready for the excitement to come!
