Concacaf has officially announced exciting details regarding the highly anticipated 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, the premier competition for men’s clubs in the region. This thrilling tournament is set to unfold over several months, commencing in February and culminating in June, and will feature 27 of the top clubs from across the Confederation, all vying for the title of club champions. The victor not only earns the prestigious title but also secures a coveted spot in the next editions of the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The 60th edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup is shaping up to be a historic one, with a lineup that boasts a rich heritage in club football. Among the 20 clubs that have already qualified, a remarkable eight teams have previously lifted the Concacaf Champions Cup trophy, underscoring the tournament’s competitive nature and storied tradition.
The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Draw, which will be crucial in determining the tournament’s bracket and the path each club will follow en route to the Final, is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This made-for-TV live event, taking place at 6 p.m. CT, will be accessible to fans not only throughout the region but also worldwide, as it will be broadcasted via Concacaf’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/concacaf) along with the Confederation’s network partners.
The tournament will maintain its thrilling direct elimination knockout stage format, comprising five rounds of intense competition among 27 clubs. The initial rounds – Round One, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals – will feature home-and-away matchups, while the decisive Final, where the region’s champion will be determined, will occur in an exciting single-leg match scheduled for a weekend date.
Of the 27 clubs participating in the tournament, 22 will commence their journey in Round One, while five clubs will enjoy the advantage of a bye to the Round of 16. The qualification process for these clubs is organized by region, encompassing North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup is set to kick off with Round One, consisting of eleven home-and-away series, all slated to take place in February. This will be followed by the Round of 16 in March, with Quarterfinals and Semifinals unfolding in April, ultimately leading to the exhilarating single-leg Final on Sunday, June 1.
Round One: February 4-6 (Week 1), 11-13 (Week 2), 18-20 (Week 3) and 25-27 (Week 4)
Round of 16: March 4-6 (First Legs) and 11-13 (Second Legs)
Quarterfinals: April 1-3 (First Legs) and 8-10 (Second Legs)
Semifinals: April 22-24 (First Legs) and April 29 – May 1 (Second Legs)
Final: Sunday, June 1 (Single Leg)
Clubs qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup through a combination of three regional cups in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, as well as domestic leagues and cups for Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The three regional cups – Leagues Cup, Concacaf Central American Cup, and Concacaf Caribbean Cup – are pivotal to the Confederation’s club ecosystem, taking place between August and December each year to crown their champions.
Thus far, 20 clubs have secured a berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, reflecting a diverse and competitive array of teams. These clubs are (in alphabetical order per tournament):
- Canadian Championship (one club): Vancouver Whitecaps FC (CAN)
- Canadian Premier League (one club): Forge FC (CAN)
- Concacaf Central American Cup (four clubs): Antigua GFC (GUA), CS Herediano (CRC), LD Alajuelense (CRC), Real Esteli FC (NCA)
- Leagues Cup (three clubs): Colorado Rapids (USA), Columbus Crew (USA), Los Angeles FC (USA)
- Liga MX (six clubs): CD Guadalajara (MEX), CF Monterrey (MEX), Club America (MEX), Cruz Azul (MEX), Pumas UNAM (MEX), Tigres UANL (MEX)
- MLS (four clubs): FC Cincinnati (USA), Inter Miami CF (USA), LA Galaxy (USA), Real Salt Lake (USA)
- U.S. Open Cup (one club): Sporting Kansas City (USA)
The remaining seven participating clubs will be confirmed prior to December’s draw, based on the following criteria:
- Canadian Premier League (one club): 2024 Champion
- Concacaf Caribbean Cup (three clubs): 2024 Champion, Runner-Up, and Third Place
- Concacaf Central American Cup (two clubs): 2024 Play-In winners
- MLS (one club): 2024 MLS Cup champion
For further details on how each club has qualified, click here.
Interview with Concacaf Spokesperson, Jessica Ramirez, on the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jessica. The announcement of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup has generated a lot of excitement. Can you share what fans can expect from this year’s tournament?
Jessica Ramirez: Absolutely! The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup is shaping up to be a historic event, featuring 27 of the top clubs from our region. This edition will not only showcase the best of club football but also serve as a pathway for the champion to the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Editor: We’ve heard that eight previous Champions Cup winners will be participating. How does their involvement influence the competitive nature of the tournament?
Jessica Ramirez: It definitely elevates the level of competition! The presence of those eight former champions, along with other top clubs, ensures that every match will be critical and exciting. Fans can anticipate thrilling encounters as these teams vie to add another title to their storied legacies.
Editor: The tournament draw is scheduled for December 10, 2024. Can you tell us a bit about what to expect from the draw?
Jessica Ramirez: The draw is a significant moment for the tournament, as it determines the bracket and the path each club will take. We’re excited to host it as a live event on our YouTube channel, making it accessible for fans worldwide. It’s a chance for anticipation to build, as teams discover who they’ll face in the initial rounds.
Editor: The knockout stage format remains consistent with previous editions. How do you think fans will respond to the home-and-away matchups leading to the single-leg final?
Jessica Ramirez: The home-and-away matchups add an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the tournament. Fans love the intensity that comes with these fixtures, especially when their teams play at home in front of their supporters. The single-leg final will culminate the tournament in a powerful showdown, promising a thrilling conclusion to the competition.
Editor: what advice would you give to clubs and fans preparing for this tournament?
Jessica Ramirez: For the clubs, preparation is key. They should focus on building strong squads and strategies to navigate through the rounds. For fans, I encourage them to mark their calendars! The tournament kicks off in February, and there will be plenty of chances to witness high-stakes football. Get ready to support your teams—this is truly a competition that every football enthusiast won’t want to miss!
Editor: Thank you, Jessica! We’re looking forward to what promises to be an exciting tournament ahead.
Jessica Ramirez: Thank you for having me!
Nt moment in the tournament’s timeline. It will determine the matchups for each round and lay the groundwork for the exciting path each team will have to navigate to reach the Final. We’re particularly excited that this will be a live event, making it accessible to fans around the world through our YouTube channel and network partners.
Editor: The format of the tournament includes direct elimination knockout stages. How do you think this format affects the teams’ strategies during the competition?
Jessica Ramirez: The knockout format adds an extra layer of intensity and pressure. Teams must prepare meticulously for each match since there’s no room for error—one loss can eliminate them from the competition. This ensures that clubs will field their strongest squads and strategize intensely for their opponents, making every match highly competitive and engaging for fans.
Editor: Can you elaborate on how clubs qualify for the Champions Cup and the significance of the regional cups?
Jessica Ramirez: Clubs qualify through a mix of regional cups and domestic competitions. The regional cups like the Leagues Cup, Central American Cup, and Caribbean Cup form an essential part of our structure, showcasing talents from various leagues. These competitions not only highlight the best clubs in their respective regions but also provide a clearer pathway for clubs to qualify for the Champions Cup. It enriches our club football landscape and brings diverse styles and rivalries to the tournament.
Editor: Lastly, what is your message to the fans as we approach the tournament?
Jessica Ramirez: We want to encourage all football fans to get ready for a thrilling few months ahead! The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup will illuminate the rich talent and passion present in our clubs. Whether you’re attending matches in person or cheering from home, this tournament promises to be a celebration of our beautiful game. Stay tuned for updates and make sure to catch the draw on December 10th!
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Jessica! We can’t wait to see how the tournament unfolds in 2025.
Jessica Ramirez: Thank you for having me! Looking forward to an exciting tournament ahead!
