News Summary
The upcoming Major League Soccer season will be the most congested in history, with increased match frequency and international competitions. A record 30 teams will compete in various tournaments, leading to a demanding schedule for clubs. Notably, several teams will participate in multiple international tournaments while traditional summer friendlies decrease sharply. The season’s structure aims to balance domestic league commitments with international challenges, ensuring an action-packed experience for players and fans alike.
Major Changes Mark the 2025 Major League Soccer Season
New York City – The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to be the most congested in the league’s history, with a significant increase in match frequency and international competitions impacting club schedules. A total of 30 teams will compete across multiple tournaments and regular season fixtures, creating a demanding calendar for clubs nationwide.
Unprecedented Match Load and International Competitions
This season, most MLS clubs are participating in two major competitions alongside their regular league play. However, some teams—such as Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders FC, and Los Angeles FC—are involved in three international tournaments: the FIFA Club World Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and the Leagues Cup. This extensive involvement means these clubs have an even more packed schedule, balancing domestic league games with international challenges.
Limited Summer Friendly Matches
Traditionally, MLS teams have taken advantage of the summer months to schedule friendly matches against European clubs, which serve as preparation and exposure for players and fans. However, this season, the number of summer friendlies has sharply declined to just four. This reduction reflects the tight schedule of MLS teams due to the numerous competitions they are involved in.
European Clubs Tour the U.S. for Friendlies
Among the notable summer friendlies, Aston Villa will play two matches in the United States. They will face St. Louis CITY SC on July 30 and Nashville SC on August 2. These fixtures are part of Aston Villa’s efforts to engage with the North American audience and prepare for upcoming tournaments.
Club Performance and Changes
St. Louis CITY SC has faced difficulties this season, leading to the dismissal of their manager after only 15 games due to poor results. In contrast, Nashville SC has shown a more encouraging trajectory, advancing to the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Despite their better form, Nashville may field a rotated squad in their friendly against Aston Villa to manage fatigue and team development.
Host Cities and International Matches
The Philadelphia Union will host Eintracht Frankfurt on August 2. This match is part of Frankfurt’s strategy to internationalize their squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and also strengthens a sister city relationship established with Philadelphia in 2015.
Meanwhile, D.C. United will face the Ethiopian men’s national team in an international exhibition game. This marks the second consecutive season that an MLS team has matched up against a national team, reflecting the league’s ongoing efforts to increase global engagement. Ethiopia’s squad, currently ranked 156th by FIFA, is actively competing in World Cup 2026 qualifiers and aims to make a strong run in the upcoming tournament.
Season Schedule Highlights and Broadcast Plans
The 2025 MLS season begins on February 22 with Inter Miami CF hosting New York City FC. Meanwhile, LAFC will kick off their campaign at the Coachella Valley Invitational on February 5, playing against the Chicago Fire. As the season progresses, over 510 regular-season games will be broadcast via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Each club is also scheduled to play six out-of-conference matches, ensuring a diverse and challenging fixture list. A major rivalry game will take place on July 19, 2025, when LA Galaxy faces LAFC, fostering local interest and intense competition.
The continuation of regular league play will proceed throughout the Leagues Cup period without disrupting the schedule. The new season’s structure aims to balance domestic league commitments with international tournaments, offering a comprehensive and competitive experience for MLS clubs and fans alike.
In Summary
The 2025 MLS season is characterized by unprecedented match congestion, a condensed summer schedule, and expanded international involvement. With teams competing across multiple fronts, the league is providing a challenging environment for players and clubs, while fans can expect a dynamic and action-packed campaign. The reduced number of summer friendlies indicates a focus on managing player workload amid the league’s intensified schedule.
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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
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