Major League Soccer is set to return next month. According to an announcement made by the league on Wednesday, the 2020 season will resume with an “MLS is Back Tournament“ that will kick off on July 8 at Disney World in Orlando.
The MLS plan includes inviting all 26 teams to Orlando and hosting a tournament format competition. Teams will be divided into six groups, with each team being scheduled to play three games during the group stage. The top two teams from each group alongside the four best third-place finishers will then advance to the knockout stage.
The teams are expected to make way to Orlando starting June 24th and are required to arrive at Dinsey World at least seven days before their first game.
The “MLS is Back Tournament“ final is set to take place on August 11, with the winner earning a spot in CONCACAF Champions League.
“We are pleased to team up with Disney to relaunch the 2020 MLS season and get back to playing soccer,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a statement. “The opportunity to have all 26 clubs in a controlled environment enables us to help protect the health of our players, coaches, and staff as we return to play.”
It is important to note that the tournament won’t dub as a replacement for the regular season. The league still intends to have regular-season games later this year, although the results from Orlando will count towards the teams’ position on the standings. The exact number of regular-season games and the schedule for MLS playoffs and MLS Cup is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
