On March 12, the season entered a month-long suspension due to COVID-19, following the cancellation of several matches.[1] On March 19, the suspension was extended until May 10,[2] and on April 17, the suspension was extended further to June 8.[3] On May 1, the league announced that players will be allowed to resume individual outdoor training at MLS facilities on May 6.[4] On June 10, MLS announced that a bracket format dubbed the "MLS is Back Tournament" would begin July 8 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World, and end with the final on August 11.[5]
On July 6, MLS announced FC Dallas would not be participating in the MLS is Back Tournament due to a high number of players and technical staff testing positive for COVID-19.[6]
On August 8, MLS unveiled the framework of a revised schedule for the remainder of the 2020 season, with the League's 25th season continuing in the home markets of the 26 clubs beginning August 12 and continuing till September 20 with plans to announce the balance of the regular season schedule by early September. Attendance at matches was determined by MLS and club leadership in accordance with applicable state and local guidelines.[7]
On September 11, MLS announced the regular season match schedule and national broadcast details that cover matches through the end of September along with the qualification and competition format for the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Additional regular season matches were announced at a later date pending further developments regarding travel protocols.[8]
On September 22, FC Dallas announced nine additional matches that Major League Soccer released for the remainder of its 2020 regular season schedule. FC Dallas played one additional match against Nashville SC to complete the 23-game regular season schedule. That match was announced at a later date.[9]
On October 8, Major League Soccer announced the third and final makeup match from the MLS is Back Tournament between FC Dallas and Nashville SC that was played Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Both Dallas and Nashville were forced to withdraw from the MLS is Back Tournament after players and staff from both teams contracted COVID-19.[10]
On October 31, Major League Soccer confirmed that qualification for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs would be determined by points per game. The league had indicated it would use points per game to determine playoff qualifiers in the case clubs played an uneven number of matches. As a result, the Minnesota United FC game originally scheduled on October 14 was canceled.[11]
As of October 7, 2020.[30]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source: MLS[31] Rules for classification: 1) points per game; 2) total wins per match played; 3) total goal differential per match played; 4) total goals scored per match played; 5) fewest disciplinary points per match played; 6) away goal differential per away match played; 7) away goals scored per away match played; 8) home goal differential per home match played; 9) home goals scored per home match played; 10) coin toss or drawing of lots.
Source: MLS[32] Rules for classification: 1) points per game; 2) total wins per match played; 3) total goal differential per match played; 4) total goals scored per match played; 5) fewest disciplinary points per match played; 6) away goal differential per away match played; 7) away goals scored per away match played; 8) home goal differential per home match played; 9) home goals scored per home match played; 10) coin toss or drawing of lots.
Note: Postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.[33] On October 29, MLS announced that it will not be rescheduled due to the commit of ending the season on November 8
