MLS is Back Tournament – Info and Guide

With people all across the world gradually coming out of lockdown, the inevitable is approaching: the return of sport. Many American soccer players have already returned to the sport, with various leagues such as the German Bundesliga featuring various American and USMNT players, however the American leagues were yet to make a reappearance- until the MLS is Back tournament and the NWSL tournament were announced.  As one of the first few countries to allow their soccer leagues to return, the US Soccer Federation has been dominating the soccer world’s headlines recently- for varying reasons.

As well as receiving some controversial press attention – with their protest policy coming under scrutiny following recent events – the USSF have also presented some very positive news: both of their professional soccer leagues, the National Women’s Soccer League and Major League Soccer will be making their return soon, both in tournament formats.

This poses as good news for female soccer players in America, after the various bumps in the road concerning women’s soccer in the US. The National Women’s Soccer League announced their return in the NWSL Challenge Cup due to take place in Utah on June 27th.

Similarly, the MLS have also come with good news. After the Major League Soccer schedule came to a sudden stop a mere 2 weeks into the regular season, it has been released that the 26 MLS teams are to compete in the ‘MLS is Back’ tournament from July 8th in Orlando, Florida to resume the MLS 2020 season.

Originally, the aim was for Major League soccer to make its return in June, said MLS Commissioner Don Garber: “We had, frankly, had hoped to be able to start at the latter part of June, and we are just not able to do that.”

“So getting out early is important, and it’s not necessarily getting out first, because you’ve got to get it right. But getting out there and ensuring that we have the certainty to play games is crucial to the future success of the league.”

So, how, when and where will the MLS is Back tournament happen? MLSfanzone have gathered all of the vital information you need to know about Major League Soccer’s return.

Important Dates

  • June 24: All 26 MLS teams will begin to arrive in Orlando to start preparation.
  • July 8: The Group Stage begins.
  • July 25-28: Round of 16 games take place.
  • July 30-August 1: Tournament Quarterfinals
  • August 5-6: Tournament Semi-finals.
  • August 11: MLS is Back Tournament Final.

Tournament Format

Taking the style of a FIFA World Cup format, the MLS is Back tournament will begin with a group stage, then a round of 16, progressing to quarterfinals, semi-finals and eventually the championship final game.

 

The Group Stage Tournament Draw (that took place on Thursday) determined the pools for the group stage, with the 26 MLS teams split into 6 groups. The Eastern Conference has 3 groups; 2 with four teams and 1 with 6 teams. The Western Conference has 3 groups, consisting of 4 teams each.

 

The tournament has been organised so that every club will play a minimum of 3 games and maximum of 7 games, and the best 16 teams (the 2 teams topping each group along with the 4 best third place teams) will move on to the Round of 16 (the first knockout stage).  Half of the teams will then qualify for the Quarterfinals, of which 4 winners will advance to the semi-finals, and inevitably the final.

The prize

 In an attempt to continue the MLS 2020 season as seamlessly as possible, each of the 39 group-stage games will count for points towards the 2020 Regular Season standings. Additionally, in a unique breach of Major League Soccer tradition, the winner of the MLS is Back tournament will receive a 2021 CONCACAF Champions League spot.

As well as bragging rights, the winners of the tournament will also receive a $1.1 million prize.

What happens next?

 After the MLS is Back Tournament is over, there are plans in place to resume the 2020 Regular Season with rescheduled games at various venues. This will be followed by Playoffs, the MLS Audi Cup and the 25th MLS Cup. A revised MLS schedule will be decided on and published at a later date.