Ultimate 2025 Leagues Cup Standings: 7 Teams to Beat
Who will dominate the 2025 Leagues Cup? We break down the top 7 teams from MLS and Liga MX poised to lift the trophy. Get our expert power rankings now!
Javier Rojas
A seasoned soccer analyst with over a decade covering the intricate dynamics of MLS and Liga MX.
The roar of the crowd, the cross-continental rivalries, the sheer drama of knockout football—it can only mean one thing: the Leagues Cup is on the horizon. While the summer of 2025 might feel distant, the battle lines are already being drawn. The 2023 tournament gave us the unforgettable Messi coronation, but 2025 promises to be an all-out war for North American soccer supremacy. Both MLS and Liga MX have reloaded, retooled, and are champing at the bit.
Forget the official group stage draw; the real standings are already taking shape in the court of expert opinion. Based on current form, squad depth, tactical identity, and that unquantifiable “clutch” gene, a clear group of favorites has emerged. These are the titans, the juggernauts, the seven teams that everyone else will have circled on their calendar. These are the teams to beat.
1. Inter Miami CF: The Reigning Kings
Let's get the obvious one out of the way. Any team featuring Lionel Messi is an instant contender for any trophy they pursue. We saw it in 2023; his gravity pulls the entire sport into his orbit. But heading into 2025, Miami is no longer just “Messi and friends.” They are a cohesive unit, battle-hardened and bolstered by a full season of playing together. The telepathic connection between Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba is now second nature.
Why They’re More Than Just Messi
The front office has spent the last year building a competent, dynamic roster around their legendary core. Young talents have had time to develop, and the system is designed to maximize the strengths of its superstars. While Messi is the undisputed cheat code, the team's ability to control the midfield and the predatory instincts of Suárez make them a multi-headed monster. Their biggest challenge will be managing the minutes of their veteran stars through a grueling tournament schedule, but if they arrive at the knockout rounds healthy, they are the undeniable favorites.
2. Club América: The Liga MX Dynasty
In the world of Liga MX, all roads lead through Mexico City, and Club América sits on the throne. Las Águilas are a powerhouse in every sense of the word—boasting a massive budget, a star-studded roster, and a winning mentality that is simply part of the club’s DNA. They don’t just expect to win; they demand it. Coming off dominant domestic campaigns, their confidence is sky-high.
The Fortress Azteca Advantage
Their squad depth is arguably the best in the tournament, allowing them to rotate players without a significant drop in quality. With a potent attack led by stars like Henry Martín and Diego Valdés, they can dismantle defenses with ease. Furthermore, the psychological advantage of potentially hosting knockout games at the legendary Estadio Azteca cannot be overstated. For América, the Leagues Cup isn't just another tournament; it’s a chance to reassert their dominance over their MLS rivals on the biggest stage.
3. Los Angeles FC: The MLS Standard-Bearer
For years, LAFC has been the model of a modern MLS superclub. They are smart, ambitious, and consistently brilliant. While other teams have ebbs and flows, LAFC remains a perennial threat thanks to a savvy front office and a clear, aggressive tactical identity. They lost the 2023 final and you can bet that memory is fueling their 2025 ambitions.
The Bouanga Factor
The key is Dénis Bouanga. The Gabonese forward is a one-man wrecking crew, a player with the pace, power, and clinical finishing to decide a match on his own. But LAFC is far from a one-man team. Their high-pressing style suffocates opponents, and their ability to transition from defense to attack in a heartbeat is devastating. They represent the peak of MLS tactical evolution, and they have the star power to go toe-to-toe with anyone from Liga MX.
4. Tigres UANL: The Star-Powered Veterans
If Club América is the dynasty, Tigres are the glamorous, star-studded challengers. This is a team built for the big moments. Led by the timeless André-Pierre Gignac, a legend of North American soccer, Tigres boasts a roster filled with high-end international talent. They possess a swagger and a wealth of experience in knockout competitions, from Liga MX playoffs to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Their style can be pragmatic, but when the lights are brightest, their stars deliver. Players like Juan Brunetta and Sebastián Córdova provide the creative spark, while a rugged defense and midfield make them incredibly difficult to break down. Tigres doesn’t fear anyone, and their ability to grind out a 1-0 win is just as impressive as their potential to score three. They are tournament specialists.
5. Columbus Crew: The System Kings
In an era of superstars, the Columbus Crew are a beautiful anomaly. They are proof that a superior system and brilliant coaching can triumph over raw star power. Under manager Wilfried Nancy, the Crew play some of the most fluid, aesthetically pleasing soccer on the continent. Their possession-based, total-football approach is a nightmare for opponents to prepare for.
A Collective Threat
The star of the Crew is the team itself. Cucho Hernández provides the finishing touch, but the magic lies in the intricate movements and positional rotations of the entire squad. They pass teams into submission. Unlike clubs reliant on one or two key players, the Crew’s strength is collective, making them resilient and adaptable. They shocked many on their way to the 2023 MLS Cup, and they are no longer a surprise. They are a genuine threat to dismantle anyone who stands in their way.
6. C.F. Monterrey: The Other Mexican Giant
You can't talk about Liga MX power without mentioning Rayados. C.F. Monterrey operates with a budget and an ambition that rivals any club in the Americas. They consistently build one of the most talented—and expensive—squads on the continent. Their fierce rivalry with Tigres pushes them to constantly reload, and their roster is a testament to that arms race.
With Spanish maestro Sergio Canales pulling the strings in midfield and a powerful forward line, Monterrey has the firepower to overwhelm any defense. They have a history of success in international competitions and possess the perfect blend of technical skill and physical strength required to navigate a tournament like this. They are a juggernaut in every sense of the word.
7. Philadelphia Union: The Ultimate Dark Horse
Every tournament needs a dark horse, a team that nobody wants to face in a knockout game. Enter the Philadelphia Union. They may not have the glamour of Miami or the budget of Monterrey, but they have something just as valuable: a rock-solid identity and an unbreakable spirit. Under coach Jim Curtin, the Union are pragmatic, organized, and relentlessly difficult to play against.
Built for Tournament Football
Their success is built on a foundation of defensive solidity and lightning-fast counter-attacks. They are comfortable soaking up pressure and hitting teams on the break, a style perfectly suited for the win-or-go-home format of the Leagues Cup. With a core of players who have been together for years and a goalkeeper in Andre Blake who can single-handedly steal a game, the Union are the bracket-buster that none of the top seeds want to see. Don't sleep on Philly.
Who Will Claim the Crown?
From the glitz of Miami to the grit of Philadelphia, the 2025 Leagues Cup is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle. The giants of Liga MX are looking to reclaim their throne, while the new-look MLS is ready to prove that its ascent is no fluke. These seven teams represent the best of the best, but as we all know, in a knockout tournament, anything can happen.
Who do you think is being overlooked? Which of these giants will fall early? The debate is just getting started.