News Summary
The 2025 Major League Soccer season will feature 30 clubs involved in five competitions, resulting in a notably congested schedule. Teams like Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, and LAFC will be balancing MLS play with international tournaments, leading to a decrease in summer friendlies. Despite the challenges, fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage through the MLS Season Pass. Key matches, including the intense rivalry between LA Galaxy and LAFC, will highlight the season, which also maintains league play during the Leagues Cup to preserve competitive integrity.
New York City – The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to become the busiest in league history with 30 clubs engaged in five different competitions in addition to the regular season. This unprecedented match congestion is expected to present challenges for teams and players as they navigate their packed schedules.
Most clubs will be competing in two total tournaments, yet a select few, such as Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders FC, and Los Angeles FC, will manage participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup, while also actively playing in the MLS regular season. Such commitments underscore the rigorous demands placed on these teams amid a crowded calendar.
As a result of this congested schedule, the number of summer friendlies against European clubs has seen a noteworthy decline. MLS teams will participate in only four friendlies during the summer of 2025, marking a significant decrease from previous seasons that typically featured more international matchups.
Aston Villa will conduct a mini-tour in the United States, starting with a match against St. Louis CITY SC on July 30, followed by a game against Nashville SC on August 2. St. Louis CITY SC has faced considerable struggles this season, leading to the dismissal of their manager after just 15 matches due to performance issues. On the other hand, Nashville SC has been faring better, reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, which may lead them to field a rotated squad when they meet Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union will host the German club Eintracht Frankfurt on August 2, aligning with Frankfurt’s internationalization strategy as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match reinforces the sister city relationship between Philadelphia and Frankfurt, established in 2015, and serves as an opportunity to strengthen cultural and sports ties.
Adding to the diversity of friendly matches, D.C. United will compete against the Ethiopian men’s national team, continuing the trend of MLS clubs playing against international teams. Ethiopia’s national team is currently ranked 156th by FIFA and is participating in World Cup 2026 qualifiers as they strive to secure advancement.
The 2025 MLS regular season will not only encompass a full schedule of competitions but will also present both domestic and international challenges. The season will kick off for Inter Miami CF on February 22 against New York City FC, while LAFC will commence their season earlier, participating in the Coachella Valley Invitational against the Chicago Fire on February 5.
Fans can expect to see a total of more than 510 regular-season matches broadcast through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, bringing comprehensive coverage of the league’s action. Each MLS team will also participate in six out-of-conference matches during the regular season, adding further excitement and variety to the competition landscape.
One highlight of the season includes the intense rivalry matchup between LA Galaxy and LAFC, scheduled for July 19, 2025. This competition is sure to be a focal point for fans as teams vie for dominance in their regional clashes.
Notably, the 2025 season will see ongoing regular MLS play during the Leagues Cup, designed to ensure that league schedules remain uninterrupted, reflecting the league’s commitment to preserving competitive integrity across both domestic and international tournaments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MLS Season to Feature Unprecedented Competition with 30 Clubs
Additional Resources
- SI: MLS Friendlies This Summer
- MLS Soccer: 2025 Regular Season Schedule
- Inter Miami CF: 2025 MLS Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Soccer
- Google Search: MLS 2025 Season
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
