The latest MLS Soccer News Updates
As Major League Soccer (MLS) nears the midpoint of the 2025 season, a flurry of developments is shaking up the league—from high-stakes rivalry matches and international opportunities to key structural changes aimed at elevating fan experience and club competitiveness.
Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful stories currently shaping the American soccer landscape.
El Tráfico Derby Returns: LAFC vs. LA Galaxy
This Sunday, May 18, one of MLS’s most iconic rivalries reignites as LAFC travels to Dignity Health Sports Park to take on the LA Galaxy in the latest installment of El Tráfico. The stakes are unusually high: while LAFC sits near the top of the Western Conference, LA Galaxy is still chasing its first win of the season. 
LA Galaxy will be looking to reset its momentum in front of a home crowd and reassert itself in a rivalry that has seen LAFC increasingly dominate in recent seasons. Meanwhile, LAFC is determined to keep its strong form intact, especially with international competition looming.
READ: LA Galaxy vs. LAFC: Keys to Sunday Night Soccer
LAFC vs. Club América: A Shot at the Club World Cup
In a unique postseason twist, LAFC will host Mexican powerhouse Club América on May 31 at BMO Stadium in a decisive clash to claim CONCACAF’s final berth in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The opportunity stems from Club León’s withdrawal, a development confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). LAFC, as a top-performing club in the region, was awarded a chance to represent North America on the global stage—but only if it can overcome the reigning Liga MX champions in what promises to be a blockbuster showdown.
This match offers massive implications—not only for LAFC, but for the visibility of MLS on the world stage. Should LAFC qualify, it would be the second time an MLS club participates in the restructured 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.
Special Transfer Window Approved for Club World Cup Teams
To support American clubs preparing for international duty, MLS and U.S. Soccer have jointly approved a special transfer window from June 1–10, 2025. The move is designed specifically to enable FIFA Club World Cup participants to reinforce their squads ahead of the competition.
This decision mirrors adjustments made by top global leagues and underscores MLS’s growing ambition to perform competitively on the world stage. For clubs like LAFC, the transfer flexibility could be a game-changer—allowing last-minute roster boosts in pursuit of global success.
Xfinity Opens the Gates to MLS Season Pass
In another major win for fans, Comcast’s Xfinity will offer free access to “Sunday Night Soccer” on MLS Season Pass starting May 18. The initiative aims to drive new viewership and expand reach beyond existing subscribers.
Through this partnership, MLS is continuing its push to make soccer more accessible to casual viewers—especially during prime weekend time slots. With Apple TV+ already powering the Season Pass ecosystem, this expanded availability positions MLS to further capitalize on rising domestic interest in the game.
Final Whistle
From cross-town clashes to Club World Cup dreams, the month of May is turning out to be one of MLS’s most pivotal periods in recent memory. Whether you’re tracking El Tráfico fireworks, international ambitions, or improved fan access, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow as American soccer continues to grow in stature and intensity.
