/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69429947/usa_today_13690092.0.jpg)
The best of the best in North American soccer will be facing off this summer. Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday that the 2021 MLS All-Star Game will see the MLS All-Stars face off against the LIGA MX All-Stars on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.
The game in August will be the first ever meeting between the two rival leagues and will be broadcast on FS1 and Univision in the United States, on TSN and TVA Sports in Canada, and on ESPN throughout Mexico, Latin America and more than 190 countries and territories around the world.
Here’s what Don Garber had to say in the press release:
“Fans have been looking forward to this historic matchup for more than a year, and we have no doubt the 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will prove to be worth the wait,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a league release. “A game of this magnitude in Los Angeles, played in front of incredible fans in one of the greatest soccer stadiums in global soccer, is unlike anything our sport has seen. This event is a perfect expression of the groundbreaking partnership that continues to build between MLS and LIGA MX.”
Three-time MLS Coach of the Year and current LAFC coach Bob Bradley will coach the MLS All-Stars. The game also won’t be the only even happening. Here’s what the release had to say about other events:
With the city of Los Angeles as the perfect backdrop, MLS All-Star week will come to life with both leagues leaving a lasting legacy through fan engagement opportunities and charitable initiatives that foster more inclusive and equitable communities including providing access to soccer in underserved communities through the MLS WORKS Community Day presented by Target and MLS WORKS Day of Service presented by Wells Fargo, spotlighting the style of soccer during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T, and celebrating the intersection of soccer and music at the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Heineken.
Finally, here’s what LIGA MX Executive President Mikel Arriola had to say about the new partnership between his league and MLS:
“LIGA MX is proud to be part of the 2021 MLS All-Star Game,” said LIGA MX Executive President Mikel Arriola. “This is going to be an intense match in a fantastic setting and world-class stadium in Los Angeles, a city that has a deep connection to our country, league, players and fans. The 2021 All-Star Game is another step in the partnership we have established between two of the best leagues in the world, and it will only intensify the rivalry between MLS and LIGA MX, and is an important part of the internationalization project of our League to reach more audiences beyond Mexico. We are looking forward to playing for the supporters of LIGA MX and giving soccer fans around the world a match they will never forget.”
For the full press release, click here.