Major League Soccer Coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports

Major League Soccer is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort! (And I know a BUNCH of people who just audibly cheered!) The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be the host location for the MLS is Back Tournament. This tournament will run from July 8 to August 11 and will include all 26 MLS clubs competing in a continuous schedule of 54 total matches that will take place nearly every day. These matches will actually count in the 2020 MLS regular season standings, and the tournament winner will earn a spot in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.

According to Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, “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. We also recognize that the death of George Floyd and others has focused our country on issues of racial injustice, inequality and violence against black men and women. Together with our owners, players and staff, the League and its Clubs are deeply committed to creating meaningful and impactful programs to address these issues that have plagued our society for far too long.”

Unfortunately, fans won’t be able to watch this Major League Soccer tournament in person, due to coronavirus concerns. In fact, MLS players and staff will need to follow specific medical protocols, including regular testing, throughout the tournament. You can take a look at those protocols here. For those who actually would like to watch the matches, you’ll be able to find them on MLS partner networks.

The schedule will be as follows:

• July 8: Group Stage begins
• July 25-28: Round of 16
• July 30-August 1: Quarterfinals
• August 5-6: Semifinals
• August 11: Final

For more information about the MLS is Back Tournament visit www.mlssoccer.com.