MLS is Back Tournament

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in North America|COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic in Canada|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on association football}}

The 2020 Major League Soccer season, the 25th season of the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, began on February 29, 2020. On March 12, the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in North America, following the cancellation of several matches.{{cite press release|date=March 12, 2020|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/03/12/major-league-soccer-suspends-season-30-days-impact-coronavirus|title=MLS suspends 2020 season for 30 days due to coronavirus|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-date=March 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313011509/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/03/12/major-league-soccer-suspends-season-30-days-impact-coronavirus|url-status=dead}} At the time of the cancellation, all 26 teams had played two league matches. On March 19, the suspension was extended until May 10,{{cite press release|date=March 19, 2020 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/03/19/mls-extends-season-suspension-accordance-cdc-guidance-covid-19|title=MLS extends season suspension in accordance with CDC guidance on COVID-19|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=March 19, 2020}} and on April 17, was again extended to June 8.{{cite press release|date=April 17, 2020 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/04/17/mls-postponement-extended-until-least-june-8-due-ongoing-impact-covid-19-pandemic|title=MLS postponement extended until at least June 8 due to ongoing impact of COVID-19 pandemic |publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=April 17, 2020}} On May 1, the league announced that players were allowed to resume individual outdoor training at MLS facilities on May 6.{{cite web |title=MLS announces players may begin to use outdoor training fields for individual workouts May 6 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/05/01/mls-announces-players-may-begin-use-outdoor-training-fields-individual-workouts-may |website=MLSSoccer.com |access-date=May 1, 2020 |date=May 1, 2020}} The COVID-19 pandemic is the first interruption of regular season play since the 2001 season, in which many late regular season games were cancelled due to the September 11 attacks.

Plans to resume the MLS season at a single venue were made by the league in April and May. Among the locations considered were Las Vegas, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Orlando. The name, "MLS is Back", was reused from a marketing slogan used prior to the season.{{cite news |last1=Maurer |first1=Pablo |last2=Pentz |first2=Matt |date=November 5, 2021 |title='Maybe this was just a horrible idea': MLS is Back, remembered by those who built and lived in the bubble |url=https://theathletic.com/2936966/2021/11/05/maybe-this-was-just-a-horrible-idea-mls-is-back-remembered-by-those-who-built-and-lived-in-the-bubble/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=March 16, 2023}}

File:Disney's Wide World of Sports (7426504780).jpg

The tournament was announced by Major League Soccer on June 10, 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/10/mls-back-all-26-teams-resume-season-espn-wide-world-sports-starting-july-8 |title=MLS is Back: All 26 Teams to Resume Season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Starting July 8 |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2020}} Teams could begin traveling to Florida on June 24, though they could arrive no later than seven days prior to their first match.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4108957/mls-is-back-tournament-to-kick-off-on-july-8-in-orlando |title=MLS is Back Tournament to kick off on July 8 in Orlando |work=ESPN |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020}} The tournament was planned to feature 54 matches (later reduced to 51 following the withdrawal of FC Dallas) played on 26 days, all taking place behind closed doors without spectators at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Bay Lake, Florida.

The 26 teams were originally split into six groups based on their conference, with one group containing six teams and five containing four teams. Each team would play three group stage matches, and the results would be counted into the 2020 MLS regular season standings. However, following the withdrawal of FC Dallas and Nashville SC from the tournament, a revised structure for the group stage was announced on July 9, 2020. The tournament was split into six groups of four, with Chicago Fire FC moving from Group A to B.

Following the group stage, 16 teams advanced to the knockout stage: the top two teams from each of the six groups and the four best third-placed teams.{{refn|group=note|This was the format initially announced by Major League Soccer. However, on June 24, 2020, it was announced that the third-placed team of the larger Group A would also advance directly, and only three teams would advance (with the fourth-placed team of Group A also eligible to advance).{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/24/mls-updates-round-16-qualification-process-mls-back-tournament |title=MLS updates Round of 16 qualification process for MLS is Back Tournament |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=June 24, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2020}} However, the original knockout qualification format was restored on July 9, after the group stage format was revised following the withdrawal of FC Dallas and Nashville SC.}} The knockout stage culminated in the tournament final on August 11. If a knockout match was tied at the end of regulation, a penalty shoot-out was used to determine the winner (no extra time was played).{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/10/mls-back-tournament-competition-guidelines |title=MLS is Back Tournament Competition Guidelines |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2020}}

During the tournament, teams were allowed to name a maximum of twelve substitutes, an increase from the MLS rule of seven. Additionally, teams were allowed to make up to five substitutions in a match, following a temporary amendment to the Laws of the Game by IFAB in order to lessen the impact of fixture congestion caused by the pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.theifab.com/news/five-substitutes-option-temporarily-allowed-for-competition-organisers|title=Five substitutes option temporarily allowed for competition organisers |publisher=International Football Association Board |date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=May 9, 2020 }} However, each team was given only three opportunities to make substitutions, excluding those made at halftime.

The MLS is Back Tournament champions qualified for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League. As a one-time change, this berth replaced the one normally awarded to the regular season conference champion that did not win the Supporters' Shield. The berth was awarded regardless of whether the champion was from the United States or Canada. Were the winners from Canada, they would still have participated in the 2020 Canadian Championship.{{cite news |location=Miami |url=https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/concacaf-statement-scotiabank-concacaf-champions-league-qualification-for-the-winner-of-mls-is-back-tournament |title=CONCACAF Statement – Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League qualification for the winner of MLS Is Back tournament |publisher=CONCACAF |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2020}} The tournament also featured a $1.1 million prize pool for players to earn additional bonuses.

Following the tournament, the MLS regular season resumed with a revised schedule, which concluded with the playoffs and MLS Cup 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/tournament-structure |title=MLS is Back Tournament format: Your essential guide to the event |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913125839/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/tournament-structure |url-status=dead }} The MLS is Back tournament in itself became a contingency plan for the MLS in the event of a future pandemic or major disease outbreak.

Major League Soccer announced a medical protocol, in consultation with experts, to be used for the tournament to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches, officials, and staff. This included testing for COVID-19 prior to and throughout the tournament, wearing a face covering or mask, and social distancing to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 from occurring. Players and staff who were deemed "high-risk individuals" were not permitted to attend the tournament unless medically cleared. Had anyone tested positive for COVID-19, they were required to isolate under a strict and detailed protocol to prevent transmission.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/health-and-safety-protocols |title=MLS tournament testing: The health, safety and medical protocols for Orlando |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610131740/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/health-and-safety-protocols |url-status=dead }}

Prior to travelling to Orlando, all players, coaches, referees, club personnel and league staff were required to complete two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests 24 hours apart and 72 hours before travelling to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Upon arrival, all individuals were required to take another PCR test and are quarantined until the results of the tests arrive. All individuals who tested positive underwent a clinical assessment by a healthcare provider and moved to an isolation area of the hotel until they were medically cleared.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/28/major-league-soccer-announces-covid-19-testing-update |title=Major League Soccer announces COVID-19 testing update |website=MLSSoccer.com |access-date=July 9, 2020 |date=July 9, 2020}}

Major League Soccer started producing updates on the testing results of the PCR tests performed in Orlando on June 28. Up to that point, 329 individuals were tested for COVID-19, and two players tested positive, both of whom had just arrived at the facility. Within the next two days, 392 more individuals were tested, of which four of them tested positive. FC Dallas then provided an update on July 1 confirming that six of their players had tested positive for COVID-19, and the rest of their delegation had been quarantined in their hotel rooms pending the results of additional testing. From July 1 to 2, 855 individuals were tested, six of whom were tested positive for COVID-19, four of which were players. From July 3 to 4, two more players tested positive for COVID-19. Between July 7 and 8, Major League Soccer reported that four individuals tested positive for COVID-19, out of 1888 individuals tested.

On July 6, 2020, FC Dallas withdrew from the tournament due to ten players and one staff member of the club testing positive for COVID-19,{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/06/fc-dallas-withdrawn-mls-back-tournament |title=FC Dallas withdrawn from MLS is Back Tournament |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 6, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2020}} after their opening match was initially postponed.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/04/mls-back-tournament-game-between-fc-dallas-and-vancouver-whitecaps-postponed-later |title=MLS is Back Tournament game between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps postponed to later date |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 4, 2020 |access-date=July 5, 2020}} On July 9, 2020, Nashville SC were also withdrawn from the tournament after nine players of the club tested positive for the virus,{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/09/nashville-sc-withdrawn-mls-back-tournament-heres-how-groups-and-schedule-change |title=Nashville SC withdrawn from MLS is Back Tournament: Here's how the groups and schedule change |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 9, 2020 |access-date=July 9, 2020}} after their opening match was initially postponed.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/07/nashville-sc-vs-chicago-fire-fc-game-postponed-two-other-mls-back-tournament-games |title=Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire FC game postponed, two other MLS is Back Tournament games rescheduled |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 7, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2020}}

On July 12, the match between Toronto FC and D.C. United was postponed just minutes prior to kickoff after at least one player was tested positive for COVID-19. The game was rescheduled for the following day on July 13, while the two players who received the positive and inconclusive test were both medically cleared to resume activities. Meanwhile, on July 14, Major League Soccer announced that there were no individuals who were tested positive out of the teams still participating in the tournament, while there was a single positive case out of the two teams that had withdrawn from the tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/28/major-league-soccer-announces-covid-19-testing-update |title=Major League Soccer announces COVID-19 testing update |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 14, 2020 |access-date=July 15, 2020}} From July 16 onward, the MLS did not record a single positive test of COVID-19 within the delegation staying at the complex.{{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/30/major-league-soccer-announces-covid-19-testing-update|title=Major League Soccer announces COVID-19 testing update|date=August 11, 2020|access-date=August 13, 2020}}

The schedule of the competition was as follows.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/bracket |title=MLS is Back Tournament Bracket |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610131750/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/bracket |url-status=dead }} Up to three matches took place each day during the group stage, with kick-off times at 9{{nbsp}}a.m., 8{{nbsp}}p.m., and 10:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT (UTC−4) due to the Florida climate.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4110166/mls-is-back-tournament-what-we-know-about-player-testinggroupsschedule |title=MLS is Back Tournament: What we know about player testing, groups, schedule |work=ESPN |date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2020}} Only one pair of matches overlapped during the tournament: Sporting Kansas City vs Colorado Rapids occurred simultaneously to D.C. United vs New England Revolution on adjacent fields on July 17, due to the latter match being rescheduled from an earlier date. The full match schedule for the tournament was announced on June 24, 2020.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/schedule |title=Full match schedule and TV info unveiled for MLS is Back Tournament |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 24, 2020 |access-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710053736/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/schedule |url-status=dead }}

The draw for the group stage took place on June 11, 2020, at 3:30{{nbsp}}p.m. EDT (UTC−4), hosted by Charlie Davies and Susannah Collins. The 26 teams were drawn into six groups based on their conference. To allow for an even number of teams in each group for the tournament, Nashville SC was moved from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference for the remainder of the 2020 season.{{cite news|date=June 10, 2020|title=Nashville SC moves to Eastern Conference for remainder of 2020 season|work=Major League Soccer|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/10/nashville-sc-moves-eastern-conference-remainder-2020-season|access-date=June 10, 2020}} The fourteen teams of the Eastern Conference were drawn into one group of six teams (Group A) and two groups of four teams (Groups C and E). The twelve teams of the Western Conference were drawn into three groups of four teams (Group B, D, and F).

Three teams from each conference were seeded and drawn into separate groups. Orlando City SC was considered the "host" of the tournament and was therefore seeded and automatically assigned to Group A. The remaining five seeds were determined based on results from the 2019 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/group-stage-draw |title=MLS is Back Tournament draw: How to watch it and everything you need to know |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610131529/https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-is-back-tournament/group-stage-draw |url-status=dead }} Inter Miami CF was automatically assigned to Group A in order to face rival Florida club Orlando City SC in the opening match of the competition.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/11/mls-back-tournament-will-kick-orlando-city-vs-inter-miami-opening-game |title=MLS is Back Tournament will kick off with Orlando City vs. Inter Miami as opening game |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2020}}

{{notelist}}

The seeded teams were drawn first and allocated to position 1 of the first available group. The unseeded teams were subsequently drawn, with the representatives of the six seeded teams, in rotation, choosing a numbered ball to occupy the next available position in their group until all the groups were completed. The draw resulted in the following groups:{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/11/group-stage-matchups-set-mls-back-tournament |title=Group Stage Matchups Set for MLS is Back Tournament |work=Major League Soccer |date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2020}}

|

|

|

|

|

|}

{{notelist}}

Originally, the teams in Group A were scheduled to only face three out of the five teams within their group. However, after the group stage format was revised, all teams faced each other. The following were the initial pairings set prior to the draw:

On July 9, 2020, following the withdrawal of FC Dallas and Nashville SC, Major League Soccer announced that Chicago Fire FC would move from Group A to B, with Group A therefore becoming a four-team group. As a result, Chicago Fire was the only Eastern Conference team in an otherwise Western Conference group.

The results of all the games in this stage were counted for points toward the 2020 regular season standings.

The ranking of teams in the group stage was determined as follows:{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/league/official-rules/competition-rules-and-regulations#tiebreakers |title=MLS Competition Guidelines 2020 |work=Major League Soccer |date=March 1, 2020 |access-date=June 10, 2020}}

1. Higher number of points obtained in all group matches;
2. Higher number of wins in all group matches;
3. Superior goal difference in all group matches;
4. Higher number of goals scored in all group matches;
5. Lower disciplinary points total in all group matches: {{Bulleted list

| Foul: 1 point;

| Yellow card: 3 points;

| Indirect red card (second yellow card): 7 points;

| Direct red card: 7 points;

| Coach dismissal: 7 points;

| Any supplemental discipline: 8 points;

}}

1. Coin toss (tie of two teams) or drawing of lots (tie of three or more teams).

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|Group A|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|8}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Orlando City SC

|score=2–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-08-orlando-city-sc-vs-inter-miami-cf/boxscore

|team2=Inter Miami CF

|goals1=

• Mueller {{goal|70}}
• Nani {{goal|90+7}}

|goals2=

• Agudelo {{goal|47}}

|referee=Rubiel Vazquez

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|9}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1=New York City FC

|score=0–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-09-new-york-city-fc-vs-philadelphia-union/boxscore

|team2=Philadelphia Union

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Bedoya {{goal|63}}

|referee=Armando Villarreal

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|14}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=New York City FC

|score=1–3

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-14-new-york-city-fc-vs-orlando-city-sc/boxscore

|team2=Orlando City SC

|goals1=

• Medina {{goal|38}}

|goals2=

• Mueller {{goal|4||10}}
• Akindele {{goal|81}}

|referee=Robert Sibiga

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|14}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Philadelphia Union

|score=2–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-14-philadelphia-union-vs-inter-miami-cf/boxscore

|team2=Inter Miami CF

|goals1=

• Wagner {{goal|5}}
• Przybyłko {{goal|63}}

|goals2=

• Pizarro {{goal|36}}

|referee=Silviu Petrescu

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|20}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1=Inter Miami CF

|score=0–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-20-inter-miami-cf-vs-new-york-city-fc/boxscore

|team2=New York City FC

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Tajouri-Shradi {{goal|64}}

|referee=Rosendo Mendoza

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|20}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Philadelphia Union

|score=1–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-20-philadelphia-union-vs-orlando-city-sc/boxscore

|team2=Orlando City SC

|goals1=Ilsinho {{goal|68}}

|goals2=Pereyra {{goal|70}}

|referee=Rubiel Vazquez

}}

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|Group B|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|10}}

|time=9:00 p.m. EDT{{refn|group=note|Following the initial delay of the Toronto FC and D.C. United match, the group stage match between San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC, originally scheduled for July 10, 2020, 10:30 p.m. EDT, was moved to 9:00 p.m. EDT.}}

|team1=Seattle Sounders FC

|score=0–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-10-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-san-jose-earthquakes/boxscore

|team2=San Jose Earthquakes

|goals1=

|goals2=

|referee=Drew Fischer

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|14}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1= Chicago Fire FC

|score=2–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-14-chicago-fire-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/boxscore

|team2=Seattle Sounders FC

|goals1=

• Berić {{goal|52}}
• Pineda {{goal|84}}

|goals2=

• Bwana {{goal|77}}

|referee=Rosendo Mendoza

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|15}}

|time=9:00 p.m. EDT{{refn|group=note|name=Toronto FC}}

|team1=Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|score=3–4

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-15-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-san-jose-earthquakes/boxscore

|team2=San Jose Earthquakes

|goals1=

• Adnan {{goal|7}}
• Judson {{goal|22|o.g.}}
• Dájome {{goal|59}}

|goals2=

• Ríos {{goal|45+2}}
• Wondolowski {{goal|72}}
• Alanís {{goal|81}}
• Salinas {{goal|90+8}}

|referee= Marcos de Oliveira

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|19}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1= Chicago Fire FC

|score=0–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-19-chicago-fire-fc-vs-san-jose-earthquakes/boxscore

|team2=San Jose Earthquakes

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Espinoza {{goal|56}}
• Wondolowski {{goal|83}}

|referee=Ramy Touchan

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|19}}{{refn|group=note|name=SEAvVAN|The group stage match between Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, originally scheduled for July 20, 2020, 10:30 p.m. EDT, was rescheduled to July 19.}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Seattle Sounders FC

|score=3–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-19-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/boxscore

|team2=Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|goals1=

• Lodeiro {{goal|16|pen.}}
• Morris {{goal|34}}
• Ruidíaz {{goal|51}}

|goals2=

|referee=Robert Sibiga

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|23}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1= Chicago Fire FC

|score=0–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-23-chicago-fire-fc-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/boxscore

|team2=Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Reyna {{goal|65}}
• Dájome {{goal|71}}

|referee=Armando Villarreal

}}

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|Group C|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|9}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Montreal Impact

|score=0–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-09-montreal-impact-vs-new-england-revolution/boxscore

|team2=New England Revolution

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Bou {{goal|56}}

|referee=Guido Gonzales, Jr.

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|13}}{{refn|group=note|name=Toronto FC|The group stage match between Toronto FC and D.C. United, originally scheduled for July 10, 2020, 8:00 p.m. EDT, was rescheduled to July 12, 9:00 a.m. EDT, due to Toronto FC's delayed arrival in Florida. The match was later rescheduled to the July 13, 2020, after an unconfirmed positive COVID-19 test for one player and an inconclusive test for another player among the teams. As a result, three other group stage fixtures were rescheduled. The match between Montreal Impact and Toronto FC, originally scheduled for July 15, 2020, 8:00 p.m. EDT, was rescheduled to July 16. The match between D.C. United and New England Revolution, originally scheduled for July 16, 2020, 8:00 p.m. EDT, was rescheduled to July 17. The match between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and San Jose Earthquakes, originally scheduled for July 15, 2020, 10:30 p.m. EDT, was moved to 9:00 p.m. EDT.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/12/mls-postpones-toronto-fc-vs-dc-united-match-be-rescheduled |title=Toronto FC vs. DC United to go ahead Monday, three other MLS is Back Tournament games rescheduled |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 12, 2020 |access-date=July 12, 2020}}}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1=Toronto FC

|score=2–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-13-toronto-fc-vs-dc-united/boxscore

|team2=D.C. United

|goals1=

• Akinola {{goal|12||44}}

|goals2=

• Higuaín {{goal|84}}
• Brillant {{goal|90+1}}

|referee=Fotis Bazakos

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|16}}{{refn|group=note|name=Toronto FC}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Montreal Impact

|score=3–4

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-16-montreal-impact-vs-toronto-fc/boxscore

|team2=Toronto FC

|goals1=

• Quioto {{goal|14}}
• Taïder {{goal|37|pen.|||90+5|pen.}}

|goals2=

• Laryea {{goal|8}}
• Akinola {{goal|25||37||83}}

|referee=Jair Marrufo

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|17}}{{refn|group=note|name=Toronto FC}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=D.C. United

|score=1–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-17-dc-united-vs-new-england-revolution/boxscore

|team2=New England Revolution

|goals1=

• Higuaín {{goal|72}}

|goals2=

• Buksa {{goal|51}}

|referee=Joseph Dickerson

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|21}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1=Toronto FC

|score=0–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-21-toronto-fc-vs-new-england-revolution/boxscore

|team2=New England Revolution

|goals1=

|goals2=

|referee=Jair Marrufo

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|21}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Montreal Impact

|score=1–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-21-montreal-impact-vs-dc-united/boxscore

|team2=D.C. United

|goals1=

• Taïder {{goal|31}}

|goals2=

|referee=Alex Chilowicz

}}

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|Group D|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|12}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Sporting Kansas City

|score=1–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-12-sporting-kansas-city-vs-minnesota-united-fc/boxscore

|team2=Minnesota United FC

|goals1=

• Shelton {{goal|43}}

|goals2=

• Shelton {{goal|90+2|o.g.}}
• Molino {{goal|90+7}}

|referee=Joseph Dickerson

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|12}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Real Salt Lake

|score=2–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-12-real-salt-lake-vs-colorado-rapids/boxscore

|team2=Colorado Rapids

|goals1=

• Rusnák {{goal|27}}
• Kreilach {{goal|76}}

|goals2=

|referee=Jair Marrufo

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|17}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Sporting Kansas City

|score=3–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-17-sporting-kansas-city-vs-colorado-rapids/boxscore

|team2=Colorado Rapids

|goals1=

• Shelton {{goal|65}}
• Pulido {{goal|72|pen.}}
• Zusi {{goal|90+1}}

|goals2=

• Acosta {{goal|6}}
• Lewis {{goal|84}}

|referee=David Gantar

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|17}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Real Salt Lake

|score=0–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-17-real-salt-lake-vs-minnesota-united-fc/boxscore

|team2=Minnesota United FC

|goals1=

|goals2=

|referee=Alex Chilowicz

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|22}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1=Real Salt Lake

|score=0–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-22-real-salt-lake-vs-sporting-kansas-city/boxscore

|team2=Sporting Kansas City

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Russell {{goal|1}}
• Gerso {{goal|86}}

|referee=Fotis Bazakos

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|22}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Colorado Rapids

|score=2–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-22-colorado-rapids-vs-minnesota-united-fc/boxscore

|team2=Minnesota United FC

|goals1=

• Kamara {{goal|19}}
• Lewis {{goal|59}}

|goals2=

• Finlay {{goal|36||43}}

|referee=Guido Gonzales Jr.

}}

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|Group E|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|11}}

|time=8:45 p.m. EDT{{refn|group=note|name=Group B weather|The group stage match between Atlanta United FC and New York Red Bulls, originally scheduled for July 11, 2020, 8:00 p.m. EDT, was delayed to 8:45 p.m. EDT due to inclement weather.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/11/mls-back-tournament-game-between-atlanta-united-and-new-york-red-bulls-delayed-due |title=MLS is Back Tournament game between Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls delayed due to weather |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 11, 2020 |access-date=July 11, 2020}} As a result, the match between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew SC later that same day, originally scheduled for 10:30 p.m. EDT, was delayed to 11:20 p.m. EDT to prevent the matches from overlapping.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/11/fc-cincinnati-vs-columbus-crew-match-will-start-11-pm-et |title=FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew match will start at 11 pm ET |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 11, 2020 |access-date=July 11, 2020}}}}

|team1=Atlanta United FC

|score=0–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-11-atlanta-united-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/boxscore

|team2=New York Red Bulls

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Valot {{goal|4}}

|referee=Allen Chapman

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|11}}

|time=11:20 p.m. EDT{{refn|group=note|name=Group B weather}}

|team1=FC Cincinnati

|score=0–4

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-11-fc-cincinnati-vs-columbus-crew-sc/boxscore

|team2=Columbus Crew SC

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Zelarayán {{goal|27}}
• Zardes {{goal|30||49}}
• Mokhtar {{goal|60}}

|referee=Ismail Elfath

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|16}}

|time=9:00 a.m. EDT

|team1=Atlanta United FC

|score=0–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-16-atlanta-united-fc-vs-fc-cincinnati/boxscore

|team2=FC Cincinnati

|goals1=

|goals2=Amaya {{goal|76}}

|referee=Victor Rivas

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|16}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Columbus Crew SC

|score=2–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-16-columbus-crew-sc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/boxscore

|team2=New York Red Bulls

|goals1=

• Zardes {{goal|22}}
• Zelarayán {{goal|47}}

|goals2=

|referee=Ramy Touchan

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|21}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Atlanta United FC

|score=0–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-21-atlanta-united-fc-vs-columbus-crew-sc/boxscore

|team2=Columbus Crew SC

|goals1=

|goals2=

• Mokhtar {{goal|18}}

|referee=Timothy Ford

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|22}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=FC Cincinnati

|score=2–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-22-fc-cincinnati-vs-new-york-red-bulls/boxscore

|team2=New York Red Bulls

|goals1=

• Kubo {{goal|43}}
• Valot {{goal|56|o.g.}}

|goals2=

|referee=Marcos de Oliveira

}}

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|Group F|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|13}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Los Angeles FC

|score=3–3

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-13-los-angeles-football-club-vs-houston-dynamo/boxscore

|team2=Houston Dynamo FC

|goals1=

• Wright-Phillips {{goal|19}}
• Rossi {{goal|63}}
• B. Rodríguez {{goal|69}}

|goals2=

• M. Rodríguez {{goal|8||30}}
• Elis {{goal|45+5}}

|referee=Timothy Ford

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|13}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=LA Galaxy

|score=1–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-13-la-galaxy-vs-portland-timbers/boxscore

|team2=Portland Timbers

|goals1=

• Chicharito {{goal|88}}

|goals2=

• Ebobisse {{goal|59}}
• Blanco {{goal|66}}

|referee=Ramy Touchan

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|18}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Portland Timbers

|score=2–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-18-portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo/boxscore

|team2=Houston Dynamo FC

|goals1=

• Ebobisse {{goal|35}}
• Valeri {{goal|61}}

|goals2=

• Elis {{goal|86|pen.}}

|referee=Ismail Elfath

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|18}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Los Angeles FC

|score=6–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-18-los-angeles-football-club-vs-la-galaxy/boxscore

|team2=LA Galaxy

|goals1=

• Rossi {{goal|13|pen.|45+2||75||90+2}}
• Wright-Phillips {{goal|56}}
• El Monir {{goal|80}}

|goals2=

• Blessing {{goal|5|o.g.}}
• Pavón {{goal|31|pen.}}

|referee=Allen Chapman

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|23}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=LA Galaxy

|score=1–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-23-la-galaxy-vs-houston-dynamo/boxscore

|team2=Houston Dynamo FC

|goals1=

• Pavón {{goal|90+1|pen.}}

|goals2=

• Quintero {{goal|17}}

|referee=Victor Rivas

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|23}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Los Angeles FC

|score=2–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-23-los-angeles-football-club-vs-portland-timbers/boxscore

|team2=Portland Timbers

|goals1=

• Wright-Phillips {{goal|36}}
• Kaye {{goal|40}}

|goals2=

• Niezgoda {{goal|7}}
• Ebobisse {{goal|81}}

|referee=Drew Fischer

}}

The results of the third-placed teams from the six groups were compared against each other. The top four teams of this ranking advanced to the round of 16.

{{MLS is Back Tournament group tables|3rd place}}

In this stage, if a match was tied at the end of 90 minutes of normal playing time, a penalty shoot-out was used to determine the winners.

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|25}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Orlando City SC

|score=1–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-25-orlando-city-sc-vs-montreal-impact/boxscore

|team2=Montreal Impact

|goals1=

• Akindele {{goal|60}}

|goals2=

|referee=Marcos de Oliveira

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|25}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Philadelphia Union

|score=1–0

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-25-philadelphia-union-vs-new-england-revolution/boxscore

|team2=New England Revolution

|goals1=

• Santos {{goal|63}}

|goals2=

|referee=Ismail Elfath

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|26}}{{refn|group=note|The match was moved from July 27 to 26.}}

|time=8:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Toronto FC

|score=1–3

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-26-toronto-fc-vs-new-york-city-fc/boxscore

|team2=New York City FC

|goals1=

• Mullins {{goal|87}}

|goals2=

• Medina {{goal|5}}
• Castellanos {{goal|55}}
• Moralez {{goal|81}}

|referee=Alex Chilowicz

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|26}}

|time=11:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Sporting Kansas City

|score=0–0

|penaltyscore=3–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-26-sporting-kansas-city-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-fc/boxscore

|team2=Vancouver Whitecaps FC

|penalties1=

• Pulido {{pengoal}}
• Ilie {{pengoal}}
• Sallói {{penmiss}}
• Busio {{pengoal}}

|penalties2=

• {{penmiss}} Dájome
• {{pengoal}} Owusu
• {{penmiss}} Cornelius
• {{penmiss}} Reyna

|referee=Victor Rivas

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|27}}{{refn|group=note|The match was moved from July 26 to 27.}}

|time=8:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=San Jose Earthquakes

|score=5–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-27-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-real-salt-lake/boxscore

|team2=Real Salt Lake

|goals1=

• Espinoza {{goal|21}}
• Eriksson {{goal|49|pen.|90+6|pen.}}
• Vako {{goal|61}}
• Wondolowski {{goal|86}}

|goals2=

• Martínez {{goal|22}}
• Kreilach {{goal|75}}

|referee=Drew Fischer

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|27}}

|time=11:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Seattle Sounders FC

|score=1–4

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-27-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-los-angeles-football-club/boxscore

|team2=Los Angeles FC

|goals1=

• Bruin {{goal|75}}

|goals2=

• Rossi {{goal|14|pen.|82}}
• Blessing {{goal|39}}
• Rodríguez {{goal|89}}

|referee=Jair Marrufo

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|28}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Columbus Crew SC

|score=1–1

|penaltyscore=3–5

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-28-columbus-crew-sc-vs-minnesota-united-fc/boxscore

|team2=Minnesota United FC

|goals1=

• Zardes {{goal|79}}

|goals2=

• Lod {{goal|18}}

|penalties1=

• Adi {{pengoal}}
• Pedro Santos {{pengoal}}
• Cadden {{penmiss}}
• Zelarayán {{pengoal}}

|penalties2=

• {{pengoal}} Alonso
• {{pengoal}} Greguš
• {{pengoal}} Schoenfeld
• {{pengoal}} Edwards
• {{pengoal}} Gasper

|referee=Allen Chapman

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|28}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Portland Timbers

|score=1–1

|penaltyscore=4–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-28-portland-timbers-vs-fc-cincinnati/boxscore

|team2=FC Cincinnati

|goals1=

• Niezgoda {{goal|67}}

|goals2=

• Locadia {{goal|81|pen.}}

|penalties1=

• Valeri {{pengoal}}
• Mora {{pengoal}}
• Blanco {{pengoal}}
• Niezgoda {{pengoal}}

|penalties2=

• {{pengoal}} De Jong
• {{pengoal}} Cruz
• {{penmiss}} Locadia
• {{penmiss}} Waston

|referee=Armando Villarreal

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|30}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Philadelphia Union

|score=3–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-30-philadelphia-union-vs-sporting-kansas-city/boxscore

|team2=Sporting Kansas City

|goals1=

• Monteiro {{goal|24}}
• Santos {{goal|26||39}}

|goals2=

• Pulido {{goal|45+1}}

|referee=Ramy Touchan

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|7|31}}

|time=7:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=Orlando City SC

|score=1–1

|penaltyscore=5–4

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-07-31-orlando-city-sc-vs-los-angeles-football-club/boxscore

|team2=Los Angeles FC

|goals1=

• Moutinho {{goal|90}}

|goals2=

• Wright-Phillips {{goal|60}}

|penalties1=

• Pereyra {{pengoal}}
• Smith {{pengoal}}
• Moutinho {{pengoal}}
• Carlos {{pengoal}}
• Nani {{pengoal}}

|penalties2=

• {{pengoal}} Ginella
• {{penmiss}} Harvey
• {{pengoal}} Rossi
• {{pengoal}} Rodríguez
• {{pengoal}} Blessing

|referee=Joseph Dickerson

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|8|1}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=San Jose Earthquakes

|score=1–4

|report= https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-08-01-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-minnesota-united-fc/preview

|team2=Minnesota United FC

|goals1=

• Eriksson {{goal|50|pen.}}

|goals2=

• Lod {{goal|20}}
• Hayes {{goal|21}}
• Amarilla {{goal|56}}
• Hairston {{goal|86}}

|referee=Jair Marrufo

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|8|1}}

|time=10:30 p.m. EDT

|team1=New York City FC

|score=1–3

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-08-01-new-york-city-fc-vs-portland-timbers/boxscore

|team2=Portland Timbers

|goals1=

• Medina {{goal|27|pen.}}

|goals2=

• Blanco {{goal|43}}
• Valeri {{goal|65}}
• Polo {{goal|76}}

|referee=Allen Chapman

}}

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|8|5}}

|time=8:00 p.m. EDT

|team1=Philadelphia Union

|score=1–2

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-08-05-philadelphia-union-vs-portland-timbers/boxscore

|team2=Portland Timbers

|goals1=

• Wooten {{goal|85}}

|goals2=

• Ebobisse {{goal|13}}
• Blanco {{goal|70}}

|referee=Allen Chapman

}}

----

{{Football box

|date={{Start date|2020|8|6}}

|time=9:14 p.m. EDT

|team1=Orlando City SC

|score=3–1

|report=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2020-08-06-orlando-city-sc-vs-minnesota-united-fc/boxscore

|team2=Minnesota United FC

|goals1=

• Nani {{goal|36||42}}
• Michel {{goal|90+6}}

|goals2=

• Toye {{goal|83}}

|referee=Drew Fischer

}}

{{main|MLS is Back Tournament Final}}

{{:MLS is Back Tournament Final}}

The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament:

• Player of the Tournament: {{flagicon|ARG}} Sebastián Blanco (Portland Timbers){{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/08/13/portland-timbers-star-sebastian-blanco-named-mls-back-player-tournament-presented|first=Jonathan |last=Sigal |title=Portland Timbers star Sebastian Blanco named MLS is Back Player of the Tournament presented by adidas |website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer |date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2020}}
• Golden Boot: {{flagicon|URU}} Diego Rossi (Los Angeles FC){{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/23/mls-back-tournament-golden-boot-presented-audi-rankings |title=LAFC forward Diego Rossi wins MLS is Back Tournament Golden Boot presented by Audi |first=Benjamin|last=Baer|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer |date=August 11, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2020}}
• Golden Glove: {{flagicon|JAM}} Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union){{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/08/12/philadelphia-union-s-andre-blake-wins-mls-back-tournament-golden-glove-presented |last=Quillen |first=Ian|title=Philadelphia Union's Andre Blake wins MLS is Back Tournament Golden Glove presented by Allstate |website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer |date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=August 13, 2020}}
• Young Player of the Tournament: {{flagicon|URU}} Diego Rossi (Los Angeles FC){{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/08/12/lafcs-diego-rossi-named-mls-back-young-player-tournament-presented-att-5g |title=LAFC's Diego Rossi named MLS is Back Young Player of the Tournament presented by AT&T 5G |website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer |date=August 12, 2020 |access-date=August 14, 2020}}
• Goal of the Tournament: {{flagicon|PER|football}} Andy Polo (Portland Timbers){{Cite web|title=Portland Timbers' Andy Polo wins MLS is Back Goal of the Tournament|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/08/14/portland-timbers-andy-polo-wins-mls-back-goal-tournament-presented-att-5g |website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=August 14, 2020}}
• Save of the Tournament: {{flagicon|USA}} Steve Clark (Portland Timbers){{Cite web|date=August 14, 2020|title=Portland Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark captures MLS is Back Save of the Tournament|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/08/14/portland-timbers-goalkeeper-steve-clark-captures-mls-back-save-tournament-presented|access-date=August 14, 2020|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer}}

The Golden Boot was given to the top scorer of the tournament. If multiple players had been level on goals scored, the first tiebreaker for the award would have been assists. Audi donated $10,000 to the academy of the winning player's club.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/07/06/mls-back-tournament-all-awards-players-can-win-orlando |title=MLS is Back Tournament: All the awards players can win in Orlando |work=Major League Soccer |date=July 6, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2020}} The Player of the Tournament, Golden Glove, and Young Player of the Tournament were given out based on voting from the media (75%) and fans (25%). The Goal and Save of the Tournament were determined by the editorial team of MLSsoccer.com shortlisting eight candidates, with the final result chosen by online fan voting.

The media chose the best eleven players of the tournament in a 4–3–3 formation.

The Man of the Match was named after each match by the editorial team of MLSsoccer.com.

The Team of the Week included the top players and coach during each week of the tournament, as chosen by the editorial team of MLSsoccer.com.