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
