The Preliminary Phase of the Leagues Cup 2025 is over, and the Quarterfinals promise high-voltage clashes between Liga MX and MLS teams. Scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, fans can look forward to matches like Inter Miami vs Tigres, Toluca vs Orlando City, Seattle Sounders vs Puebla, and LA Galaxy vs Pachuca.
This stage isn’t just about trophies—it’s about pride. Mexican clubs have not reached a Leagues Cup final since 2023, and that’s a wound they want to heal.
Toluca – Carrying Mexico’s Hopes
Toluca, the reigning Liga MX champions and third-most decorated team in Mexican football, enter the Quarters with one of the most expensive squads—valued at $85.9M. With stars like Alexis Vega, Paulinho, and Marcel Ruiz, Toluca aim to end their 22-year international trophy drought, their last being the 2003 Concacaf Champions’ Cup.
Inter Miami – Messi & Co. in Spotlight
Since Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo de Paul joined, Inter Miami have become the face of MLS. Despite never winning the MLS Cup, their $98.8M squad is the most valuable in the tournament. Already winners of the Leagues Cup 2023, Miami enter as strong favorites.
Tigres UANL – Tradition Meets Transition
The Tigres are rebuilding under Guido Pizarro’s project but remain dangerous. With 8 league titles and new signing Ángel Correa, they bring an $82.7M squad. Winning this tournament would hand them their first international silverware since 2020.
LA Galaxy – Chasing Past Glory
The most successful MLS club, LA Galaxy, boast a squad worth $72.4M. Their domestic form has been inconsistent, but they’ll hope to end a 25-year wait for an international trophy, their last being the 2000 Concacaf Champions’ Cup.
Pachuca – Mexico’s Dark Horse
Pachuca, with 7 Liga MX titles and 6 Concacaf trophies, have the pedigree to challenge anyone. Their squad, valued at $63.3M, features talents like Jhonder Cádiz, Víctor Guzmán, and Oussama Idrissi. They dream of being the first Mexican team to lift the Leagues Cup.
Seattle Sounders – MLS Powerhouse
The Seattle Sounders, two-time MLS Cup winners, famously became the first MLS side to win the Concacaf Champions’ Cup in 2022. With stars like Cristian Roldán, Jordan Morris, and Obed Vargas, their $60.3M squad looks ready to cause problems.
Puebla & Orlando City – The Underdogs
Puebla, with a modest $23.8M squad, stunned many by reaching this stage. Their last international title came in 1991, and they’ll be hoping to script another fairytale.
Orlando City, on the other hand, have only one major title (2022 US Open Cup) but bring confidence from striker Luis Muriel and a $49.3M squad.
The Road Ahead
Here’s how the Quarterfinalists reached this stage:
- Inter Miami: Beat Atlas, drew with Necaxa (won on penalties), beat Pumas
- Tigres UANL: Beat Houston Dynamo, beat San Diego FC, lost to LAFC
- Seattle Sounders: Big 7-0 win vs Cruz Azul, plus two more victories
- Puebla: Wins over NYCFC and Montreal, only one defeat
- Orlando City: Beat Atlas and Necaxa, survived penalties vs Pumas
- Toluca: Defeated Montreal and another strong win after penalties
- LA Galaxy: High-scoring wins, only stumble vs Cruz Azul on penalties
- Pachuca: Beat San Diego FC and Necaxa, drew vs LAFC
With Messi’s Miami leading the MLS charge and Toluca spearheading Mexico’s hopes, the Leagues Cup 2025 Quarterfinals are shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
Leagues Cup 2025 Quarterfinals – Fixtures, Squad Value & Key Players
| Fixture | Squad Value (USD) | Key Players | Last International Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami vs Tigres UANL | Miami: $98.8M Tigres: $82.7M | Messi, Busquets, De Paul Ángel Correa, Gignac | Inter Miami: Leagues Cup 2023 Tigres: Concacaf Champions Cup 2020 |
| Seattle Sounders vs Puebla | Seattle: $60.3M Puebla: $23.8M | Roldán, Morris, Rusnák Emiliano Gómez, Ricardo Marín | Sounders: Concacaf Champions Cup 2022 Puebla: Concacaf Champions Cup 1991 |
| LA Galaxy vs Pachuca | Galaxy: $72.4M Pachuca: $63.3M | Riqui Puig, Joveljic Jhonder Cádiz, Víctor Guzmán | Galaxy: Concacaf Champions Cup 2000 Pachuca: Copa Sudamericana 2006 |
| Toluca vs Orlando City | Toluca: $85.9M Orlando: $49.3M | Alexis Vega, Paulinho Luis Muriel, Facundo Torres | Toluca: Concacaf Champions Cup 2003 Orlando: US Open Cup 2022 |