2024 MLS NEXT Cup Rules

Bysoccernovo Published on
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.

About the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup

  • Dates: June 15-23, 2024
  • Location: Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, TN
  • Age Groups: U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19
  • Livestream: Schedule on Apple TV

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

Written By: SoccerNovo


SoccerNovo is an independent youth soccer media brand built to help parents, players, and coaches better understand the game and the pathways available in U.S. soccer. Our mission is to make youth soccer simpler, clearer, and more accessible for everyone involved in it.

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