ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has been chosen by Major League Soccer (MLS) to oversee the 2026 eMLS Cup, the league’s main esports competition centered around EA SPORTS FC. This collaboration entrusts one of the most reputable tournament organizers in the industry with managing the entire operational process of the competition, starting from the initial qualifying rounds all the way to the live finals.
Within this partnership, EFG will handle the tournament logistics and broadcast production, leading up to a studio final hosted at the company’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. This final event will determine the players who will progress to the EA FC World Championship, the highest level of competitive play within EA’s football simulation ecosystem.
The competition kicks off with the participation of all 30 MLS clubs, each assigning a player to represent their team. EFG will conduct an Online Swiss Tournament on March 7–8 to identify the top performers, although this phase will not be broadcasted.
Only the top eight players from this initial stage will move on to the final round.
These finalists, known as the “Elite Eight,” will convene in Columbus for a two-day program, featuring a media day and a live studio broadcast where the ultimate winner will be declared on April 12. Alongside vying for the eMLS Cup title, the finalists will also compete for spots in the EA FC World Championship, the ultimate showdown in the EA SPORTS FC Pro circuit.
EFG views this partnership as an opportunity to leverage its operational and broadcast expertise in the MLS esports landscape.
Adam Apicella, SVP Esports at ESL FACEIT Group, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Major League Soccer for the eMLS Cup. He emphasized the team’s commitment to creating a professional, competitive environment that upholds the MLS brand’s prestige while delivering top-notch broadcasts for the EA FC community. Hosting the finals at their Columbus studio allows them to showcase these elite players on a deserving platform.
MLS leadership highlighted the significance of esports in enhancing the league’s connection with younger fans.
Chris Blivin, MLS Vice President of Consumer Products, stated that eMLS is a vital component of how Major League Soccer engages with its digitally savvy audience. Partnering with EFG to manage the eMLS Cup ensures that the competition maintains the highest standards of expertise. They eagerly anticipate witnessing the top talents in North America compete in Columbus for the opportunity to represent MLS globally.