MLS Makes Orlando Tournament Official, Regular Season To Follow

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Major League Soccer has made it official, the return of North America’s top-flight soccer league will occur with a tournament in Orlando, Florida following a four-month suspension due to the coronavirus.

The tournament’s group stages will begin on July 8 with the final being played on August 11.

It’s good to be back. ⚽

Our 2020 season kicks off again with all 26 clubs in the #MLSisBack Tournament, starting July 8 from @ESPNWWOS at @WaltDisneyWorld.

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 10, 2020

All 26 MLS teams will travel to Orlando to compete in the tournament. Teams will be split into groups, three groups from the Eastern Conference and Three from the West.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stages, while the teams that do not qualify for the knockout stages will play in a consultation bracket. The fourth best third-place finishing teams will also qualify for the knockout rounds.

▪️ Tournament winner earns a 2021 @TheChampions berth

▪️ Group-stage games count towards regular season points

▪️ Extensive medical protocols in place

Details on the #MLSisBack Tournament ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iG9xYEMn8g

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 10, 2020

During the group stages, the games will be worth regular-season points. A win is worthy of three points, a draw worth one and a loss warrants zero points. However, once the knockout stages begin, no regular-season points will be on offer.

In an effort to further motivate teams to try and win the tournament, the winning team will qualify for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.

As expected, the league will implement comprehensive COVID-19 testing and protocol to best ensure the health and safety of the players.

The #MLSisBack Tournament will feature comprehensive COVID-19 testing & safety measures for all involved. pic.twitter.com/i1H1O8ZG5i

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 10, 2020

MLS announced that they are planning on returning to the regular season following the conclusion of the tournament in Orlando.

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.