[Industry news] Major League Soccer Names ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) as Official Operator for eMLS Cup

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content.

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) today announced it has been selected by Major League Soccer (MLS) to operate the 2026 eMLS Cup, the pinnacle of competitive EA FC in North America. As the official operations partner, EFG will manage the transition from club selection to the crowning of a champion, providing the platform for the region’s best players to earn their spots in the EA FC World Championship.

The partnership leverages EFG’s world-class competitive integrity and broadcast capabilities to elevate the eMLS circuit, culminating in an elite live studio final at EFG’s headquarters in Columbus.

“We are thrilled to partner with Major League Soccer to bring the eMLS Cup to life,” said Adam Apicella, SVP Esports, EFG. “Our team is dedicated to providing a professional, competitive environment that honors the prestige of the MLS badge while delivering a high-caliber broadcast for the EA FC community. Bringing the finals to our Columbus studio allows us to put these elite players on the stage they deserve.”

“eMLS is a vital part of how Major League Soccer connects with our young, digitally native fans,” said Chris Blivin, MLS Vice President of Consumer Products. “Partnering with EFG to operate eMLS Cup ensures that our competition is managed with the highest level of expertise. We look forward to seeing the best in North America compete in Columbus for a chance to represent MLS on the world stage.”

The tournament structure introduces a multi-phase path to glory, beginning with a mass-entry open field and culminating in a live, high-production broadcast from EFG’s state-of-the-art studio in Columbus.

Partnership Includes:

• The eMLS 2026 Regular Season: All 30 MLS clubs will select a designated player to represent their badge. EFG will manage a rigorous, non-broadcasted Online Swiss Tournament to narrow the field March 7 & March 8. Only the Top 8 players will survive this stage to punch their ticket to the live finals.
• The eMLS Cup Finals: The “Elite Eight” will be flown to Columbus, Ohio, for a two-day residency. This includes a dedicated Media Day followed by a live studio show where a champion will be crowned and slots for the EA FC World Championship will be secured on Saturday, April 12.

Visit https://www.mlssoccer.com/emls/ for more information and tournament updates.