ESL FACEIT Group named operator of eMLS Cup 2026

Esports tournament organiser ESL FACEIT Group has been appointed as the operator of the 2026 eMLS Cup, an EA Sports FC tournament hosted by Major League Soccer (MLS).

The tournament will feature all 30 MLS clubs, each fielding a player who will compete in a Swiss stage from March 7th to 8th.

Of the 30 players competing in the Swiss stage, eight will advance to the eMLS Cup Finals held at ESL FACEIT Group’s studio in Columbus, Ohio, on April 12th. The eight remaining players will compete for a chance to lift the trophy, as well as secure slots at the EA Sports FC Pro World Championship.

In addition to earning a place at the crowning event of the EA Sports FC esports calendar, players will also battle for a share of a $100,000 (~£74,788) prize pool.

“We are thrilled to partner with Major League Soccer to bring the eMLS Cup to life,” said Adam Apicella, SVP of Esports at ESL FACEIT Group. “Our team is dedicated to providing a professional, competitive environment that honours the prestige of the MLS badge while delivering a high-calibre broadcast for the EA FC community.”

2026 marks the eighth edition of the eMLS Cup. Launched in 2018, the event continues to involve MLS clubs fielding rosters. Last year’s tournament saw Atlanta United FC’s Paulo Neto take the title, becoming a two-time champion after winning the event in 2022.

MLS isn’t the only football league to embark on an esports project involving its clubs. In February, the eighth edition of the ePremier League kicked off, with 20 teams battling it out for a £100,000 (~£74,788) prize pool.

For the event, Sunderland AFC joined forces with Team Liquid, with two of the organisation’s players competing in the event.

Joining forces with ESL FACEIT Group is a smart move for MLS as it looks to utilise the organiser’s vast experience in hosting one of North America’s largest EA Sports FC tournaments.