As Major League Soccer (MLS) gears up for the 2025 season, we understand just how excited soccer enthusiasts are for the upcoming showcase of world-class talent on the pitch. With an array of top-tier footballers set to grace the field, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the MLS for the 2025 regular season after the conclusion of the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament.
This post will give you the information you need to keep up with your favorite MLS team this season, including the full Major League Soccer schedule, where to watch and more. That way, you can make sure you never miss a minute of the on-field action from the iconic Lionel Messi or anyone else.
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How to watch the MLS on DIRECTV
While a select number of MLS matches will be available to watch on your local FOX channel or FOX Deportes, you’ll need Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass to make the most of the upcoming season.
DIRECTV customers can integrate their Apple TV accounts with their DIRECTV interface, so you never need to switch inputs or remotes to watch the soccer content you want. Learn more about connecting your favorite apps to DIRECTV here.
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MLS 2025 Schedule
Make sure you always know when to catch your favorite MLS teams live in 2025 by clicking the link below to get a complete Major League Soccer (MLS) game schedule, provided by DIRECTV!
And if you’re looking for today’s MLS matchups, head over to MLS Games on Today.
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Current MLS 2025 Standings
Where will each of the MLS’s 30 teams end up in the standings this season? Keep track of rankings right here to see if your favorite team is living up to its potential and check out the power rankings from the start of the season listed below.
Eastern Conference Rankings (Ranked by Last Season Finish)
| Rank | Club | Record (W-D-L) | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Miami CF | 0-0-0 |
0 |
| 2 | FC Cincinnati | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 3 | Columbus Crew | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 4 | NY Red Bulls | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 5 | New York City FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 6 | Charlotte FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 7 | Orlando City SC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 8 | Toronto FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 9 | Atlanta United FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 10 | Philadelphia Union | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 11 | CF Montréal | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 12 | Nashville SC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 13 | D.C. United | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 14 | Chicago Fire FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 15 | New England Revolution | 0-0-0 | 0 |
Western Conference Rankings (Ranked by Last Season Finish)
| Rank | Club | Record (W-D-L) | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LA Galaxy | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 2 | LAFC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 3 | Real Salt Lake | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 4 | Colorado Rapids | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 5 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 6 | Houston Dynamo FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 7 | Seattle Sounders FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 8 | Portland Timbers | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 9 | Minnesota United FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 10 | Austin United FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 11 | FC Dallas | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 12 | Sporting KC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 13 | St. Louis City FC | 0-0-0 | 0 |
| 14 | San Jose Earthquakes | 0-0-0 | 0 |
MLS 2024 Season Recap
The MLS has now expanded to 29 teams with the recent introduction of St. Louis City SC, and they’re adding another this season with the San Diego FC.
In the 2024 MLS season, Inter Miami CF, bolstered by superstar Lionel Messi, topped the Eastern Conference standings and secured the Supporters’ Shield with a record-breaking 74 points. Messi’s contribution of 20 goals and 16 assists earned him the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award. Despite their regular-season success, Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Atlanta United.
In the Western Conference, the LA Galaxy returned to prominence, finishing second in the standings. They went on to win their record sixth MLS Cup title by defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the final.
MLS 2025 Season Preview
After an exciting 2024 season, what are some of the biggest storylines to look out for in the upcoming 2025 MLS season? Here’s a few:
San Diego FC’s Debut
San Diego FC will kick off their inaugural campaign against last year’s champions, the LA Galaxy, on February 23. San Diego has seen an exodus of its professional sports teams in its history, losing the NFL’s (now-Los Angeles) Chargers in 2017, the NBA’s (now also Los Angeles) Clippers and (now-Houston) Rockets in the 1970s and 80s, so a new pro sports franchise in the city is a welcome sight.
LA’s Title Defense
The LA Galaxy, the team with the most MLS Cup titles to its name, will aim for a repeat performance to claim a recording-shattering seventh crown. As mentioned above, that march begins on February 23 against the fledgling San Diego FC.
Inter Miami’s Stacked Squad
Inter Miami topped the Eastern Conference last season, and they’re well positioned to do it again with a roster boasting some serious star power. Lionel Messi, widely considered the world’s best soccer player, is back, as is Luis Suarez. They’ll definitely be hungry to avenge their early playoffs exit from last season.
Manager Changes
A number of clubs are also starting the season with new managers:
- Toronto FC: Robin Fraser replaces John Herdman
- New York City FC: Pascal Jansen replaces Nick Cushing
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Jesper Sørensen replaces Vanni Sartini
- Inter Miami CF: Javier Mascherano replaces Gerardo Martino
- Philadelphia Union: Bradley Carnell replaces Jim Curtin
- Chicago Fire FC: Gregg Berhalter replaces Frank Klopas
- Austin FC: Nico Estévez replaces Josh Wolff
- St. Louis CITY SC: Olof Mellberg replaces Bradley Carnell
- San Jose Earthquakes: Bruce Arena replaces Luchi Gonzalez
- FC Dallas: Eric Quill replaces Nico Estévez
- Atlanta United: Ronny Deila replaces Gonzalo Pineda
- Nashville SC: B.J. Callaghan replaces Gary Smith
2025 MLS Power Rankings
Here are the top 10 MLS teams with a shot at the title this season, plus their 2024 records (Win-Draw-Loss):
- Inter Miami (22-8-4)
- FC Cincinnati (18-5-11)
- Los Angeles FC (19-7-8)
- Columbus Crew (19-9-6)
- LA Galaxy (19-7-8)
- Orlando City SC (15-7-12)
- New York City FC (14-8-12)
- Charlotte FC (14-9-11)
- Real Salt Lake (16-11-7)
- Houston Dynamo (15-9-10)
Key Dates in the 2025 MLS Season
Check out the list below for some of the must-see dates and events for all avid MLS fans!
MLS is Back Weekend
Date: February 22-23
Kick-off: Various (check schedule)
All 30 teams will play on opening weekend. Inter Miami CF and New York City FC will kick things off at Chase Stadium on Feb. 22, while defending champs LA Galaxy will take on the brand-new San Diego FC in their inaugural match on Feb 23.
Rivalry Week
Date: May 14-18
Kick-off: Various (check schedule)
Don’t miss the action on Rivalry Week as some of MLS’s fiercest rivals face off against each other.
- St. Louis CITY SC vs. Sporting Kansas City – May 14, 8:30 pm ET
- New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls – May 17, 4:30 pm ET
- Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati – May 17, 7 pm ET
- Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders FC – May 17, 9:30 pm ET
- Inter Miami CF vs. Orlando City SC – May 18, 7 pm ET
- LA Galaxy vs. LAFC – May 18, 9 pm ET
Club World Cup & Gold Cup Pause
Date: June 15-24
The MLS will pause play from June 15 to the 24th for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup. Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders FC will play in the Club World Cup. 14 MLS stadiums will be used for games during the two tournaments.
MLS All-Star Game
Date: July 23
Kick-off: TBA
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game will be held at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium. The All-Star Skills Challenge will be held on July 22.
Leagues Cup
Date: July 29-August 31
Kick-off: Various
Get ready for the thrill of the Leagues Cup, a dynamic World Cup-style club competition featuring the top LIGA MX and MLS teams. In 2025, the tournament is back with a bang, putting regular season play on hold for an entire month.
Decision Day
Date: Oct. 18 (start date)
Kick-off: Eastern Conference matches begin at 6 p.m. ET; Western Conference matches begin at 9 p.m. ET
The last day of the regular season guarantees a full slate of fixtures, where teams’ entire seasons hang in the balance. It’s a pivotal day in the MLS that shouldn’t be missed, as playoff spots and entry into the MLS Cup are finalized.
Playoffs & MLS Cup Final
Date: TBA
Kick-off: TBA
It all comes down to the MLS Playoffs, culminating in the highly anticipated MLS Cup 2025 Final.
Watch Soccer With DIRECTV
In addition to watching select MLS games on FOX, and even more with Apple Season Pass, you can catch UEFA Champions League, English Premier League and more on DIRECTV.
Don’t have DIRECTV? Get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025 MLS regular season start?
The 2025 MLS season kicks off on Feb. 22, 2025.
Who won the MLS Cup last season?
The LA Galaxy won the MLS title last season for a record sixth MLS Cup.
How many MLS teams are there in 2025?
There are now 30 MLS clubs with the addition of San Diego FC in 2025.
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