2024 MLS NEXT Cup Rules

The MLS NEXT Cup is quickly approaching and we just want to reiterate the rules. Below you’ll find a summary of the competition guidelines.

Competition Rules

• All teams are guaranteed three matches
• Maximum of (20) players per roster
• Minimum of (14) players per roster
• Players cannot be double rostered for Playoff games
• No player can play more than (1) match per day and (3) matches in four days

Playoff Format

• 32 teams from each age group will play a single elimination tournament. You lose, you’re out. The team that wins the last game will be crowned the champion of their age group.
• Teams eliminated in the first and second rounds will be placed in Showcase matches to ensure they have three games.

Showcase Format

• Teams that did not qualify for the playoffs will compete in the Showcase.

What Kits to Wear

• Each player must wear the same number during the Cup
• Teams that are listed as Home must wear their light uniforms
• Teams that are listed as Away must wear their dark uniforms

Match Rules

Game Length

• U-15: (2) 40 minute halves with 15-min. halftime and two water breaks
• U-16, U-17, U-19: (2) 45 minute halves with 15-min. halftime and two water breaks

Penalty Kicks & Extra Period (Playoffs)

• For the first round through the semis, a PK will determine the winner if there is a tie score at the end of regulation
• For the Championship game, if there is a draw at the end of regulation, (2) 5 minute extra time periods will be played. If it is still tied, penalty kicks will determine the champion

Penalty Kicks & Extra Period (Showcase)

• Games will end in a draw if the game is tied at the end of regulation.

Substitution Rules

• Teams get (7) substitutions per match
• (3) substitution moments per match (not including halftime)
• A player may not re-enter the game once they are subbed off unless it’s for a head injury

Disciplinary Actions

Regular Season Red Card Carryover

• All red card suspensions will carry over from MLS NEXT regular season to MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs
• Only egregious red cards will carry over from the regular season to the Showcase games

Yellow Card Accumulation

• Yellow card accumulation will reset for all players entering the Playoffs
• Receiving (3) yellow cards will result in a one match suspension
• The yellow card accumulation does not apply to the Final game
• There is no yellow card accumulation for the Showcase matches.

Red Cards

• Red card suspensions will be served the next match, including the Final game