Major League Soccer is officially back on July 8th, and here’s the blueprint on how the next MLS champion will be crowned.
What We Know:
- The ‘MLS is Back’ Tournament will begin on July 8th, after an indefinite postponement of the season that started on March 12th.
IT’S OFFICIAL! 🙌@MLS returns with a 26-team #MLSisBack Tournament, kicking off July 8th in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/4exSArHyGp
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2020
- All of the matches will take place at ESPN’s World Wide Sports Complex, at Disney World. All teams are expected to arrive on campus in Orlando, Florida by June 26th.
- The 26 teams will be drawn into groups, and all teams will play at-least three group stage matches.
- Fans across social media were quick to point out that the draws seemed rigged, as many MLS rivals mysteriously were drawn in the same group.
This the most rigged draw I’ve ever seen 🤣
— Anthony Martinez (@anthonyeee26) June 11, 2020
- The top three teams from each group will then move on to the Knockout Round. The Knockout Round will be single elimination games and will go straight to penalty kicks after the full 90 minutes of play. This format will continue throughout the Quarter and Semi Finals until a champion is crowned on August 11th.
- Upon crowning a champion, the MLS has plans complete their regular season later in the summer, back in each MLS clubs’ home market. The MLS also hopes to crown a MLS Audi Playoff Champion later in the summer once teams conclude the traditional regular season.
- Until teams return to their individual home markets, MLS fans will have to watch from the comforts of their home; Nevertheless, the MLS is back and the excitement is unbearable.
In less than 30 days, 26 teams will begin their quest to see who will reign supreme in this MLS first-ever tournament.
