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2025 football calendar: key dates for leagues, international cups and derbies

Discover all the key football dates for 2025: Liga MX, MLS, derbies, Concacaf Nations League, UEFA Champions League, and more.

By Angel Carrillo Hernández

Photos: @MLS, @LigaBBVAMX and @PremierLeague
Photos: @MLS, @LigaBBVAMX and @PremierLeague
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The year 2025 promises to be unforgettable for football fans, packed with domestic and international competitions that will shape the season. From the start of thrilling leagues to the most anticipated derbies and international tournaments, this year will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

The start of the leagues: January kicks things off

The year begins with a bang for Mexican fans with the Liga MX Femenil kicking off on January 3 and the men’s Liga MX starting on January 10. These competitions set the stage for an exciting football calendar in Mexico. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the MLS 2025 season will begin on February 18, promising a competitive season with new talents, including Chucky Lozano, debuting for San Diego FC on February 13.

Derbies and must-watch dates: guaranteed excitement

Among the standout dates is the Clásico Nacional between Chivas and América, scheduled for March 8, a rivalry that always delivers drama. In April, the spotlight will be on the clash between América and Cruz Azul on April 12, another key matchup in Liga MX.

Internationally, European football fans will enjoy the El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid on May 11, a match that always captivates global audiences.

In the MLS, derbies will also shine, with the showdown between LA Galaxy and LAFC on May 18. Additionally, on the same day, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will face Orlando City in another thrilling matchup.

International tournaments: chasing glory

The year will also be crucial for international tournaments. In March, the UEFA World Cup qualifiers will begin, marking the start of the road to the next World Cup. Similarly, the Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League will take place on March 20, deciding the regional champion.

Summer will be packed with major events, including the Gold Cup, starting on June 14 with the final set for July 6, and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, also kicking off on June 14 and concluding on July 13 with the grand final. Adding to the excitement, the Leagues Cup 2025 will begin on July 29, wrapping up on August 31 with its final match.

The thrill of finals: decisive moments

Finals will be the crowning jewels of many competitions. In May, the Liga MX Femenil final (May 12), the men’s Liga MX final (May 25), and the UEFA Champions League final (May 31) will crown the best teams in their respective leagues.

In June, the Concacaf Champions Cup will conclude on June 1, followed by the Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup finals. Lastly, the calendar will close with the Leagues Cup, whose final is scheduled for August 31.

Key dates for the 2025 football calendar

  • January 3: Start of Liga MX Femenil Apertura 2024.
  • January 10: Start of Liga MX Apertura 2024.
  • February 13: LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC in MLS 2025 (Chucky Lozano’s debut).
  • February 18: Start of MLS 2025.
  • March 8: Clásico Nacional Chivas vs. América in Liga MX Apertura 2025.
  • March 20: Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League.
  • March 21: Start of UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
  • March 24: Argentina vs. Brazil in Conmebol qualifiers.
  • April 12: América vs. Cruz Azul in Liga MX Apertura 2024.
  • May 11: Clásico Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in LaLiga.
  • May 12: Liga MX Femenil Apertura 2024 final.
  • May 18: LA Galaxy vs. LAFC in MLS 2025.
  • May 18: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City in MLS 2025.
  • May 25: Liga MX Apertura 2024 final (second leg).
  • May 31: UEFA Champions League final.
  • June 1: Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 final.
  • June 14: Start of the Gold Cup 2025.
  • June 14: Start of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
  • July 6: Gold Cup 2025 final.
  • July 13: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final.
  • July 23: MLS All-Star Game 2025.
  • July 29: Start of the Leagues Cup 2025.
  • August 31: Leagues Cup 2025 final.

What you need to know about the 2025 football calendar

  • When does Liga MX start? Liga MX Femenil starts on January 3, and the men’s Liga MX begins on January 10.
  • When will Chucky Lozano debut in MLS? On February 13 with San Diego FC.
  • When is the Clásico Nacional between Chivas and América? On March 8.
  • When is the UEFA Champions League final? On May 31.
  • When do the Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup begin? Both start on June 14.
  • When does the Leagues Cup 2025 begin and end? It starts on July 29 and concludes on August 31.
  • What notable derbies are on the calendar? América vs. Cruz Azul and Barcelona vs. Real Madrid are standout clashes.

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