MLS Partners with ESL FACEIT Group for 2026 eMLS Cup Management

Major League Soccer (MLS) has teamed up with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) to run the 2026 eMLS Cup, the league’s flagship esports event centered around EA SPORTS FC. This collaboration brings one of the top tournament operators into the fold, overseeing everything from the qualification rounds to the live finals.

As part of this partnership, EFG will handle all tournament operations and broadcast production, culminating in a studio final at their U.S. headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. This event will determine which players earn a spot in the EA FC World Championship, the pinnacle of competitive play in EA’s football simulation universe.

The competition will feature all 30 MLS clubs, each selecting a player to represent them. EFG will kick things off with a non-broadcasted Online Swiss Tournament on March 7–8 to identify the top competitors.

Only the eight best players from this initial phase will move on to the final stage.

These finalists, dubbed the “Elite Eight,” will head to Columbus for a two-day residency that includes a media day and a live studio broadcast, where the champion will be crowned on April 12. Beyond the eMLS Cup title, these players will also vie for qualification spots in the EA FC World Championship, the ultimate event in the EA SPORTS FC Pro circuit.

EFG views this partnership as a chance to leverage its operational and broadcast expertise within MLS’s esports framework.

“We are excited to partner with Major League Soccer to bring the eMLS Cup to life,” said Adam Apicella, SVP Esports at ESL FACEIT Group. “Our team is committed to creating a professional, competitive atmosphere that reflects the prestige of the MLS brand while delivering a top-notch broadcast for the EA FC community. Hosting the finals in our Columbus studio allows us to showcase these elite players on the stage they deserve.”

MLS leadership highlighted the importance of esports in engaging younger fans.

“eMLS is crucial for how Major League Soccer connects with our young, digitally savvy audience,” said Chris Blivin, MLS Vice President of Consumer Products. “Working with EFG to manage the eMLS Cup ensures our competition is run with the utmost expertise. We’re eager to see the best players in North America compete in Columbus for a chance to represent MLS on the global stage.”