MLS is Back Tournament draw: Los Angeles rivals to meet in group stage

El Trafico foes Los Angeles FC and the LA Galaxy will lock horns in Major League Soccer's return-to-play competition in Orlando.

The MLS is Back Tournament will begin on July 8 with a World Cup-style format. All 26 teams will compete in a group stage, with the top two outfits in each group and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout rounds.

In addition to a fresh chapter in the Los Angeles rivalry, there will be an all-Canadian affair when Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact meet in Group C. The latest edition of the Hell is Real derby will also take place when FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew become reacquainted in Group E.

The opening match of the tournament will be contested in Group A between Floridian teams Orlando City and Inter Miami.

Here's how the groups shaped up in Thursday's draw:

Group A (East)

1. Orlando City
2. Inter Miami
3. New York City FC
4. Philadelphia Union
5. Chicago Fire
6. Nashville SC

Group B (West)

1. Seattle Sounders
2. FC Dallas
3. Vancouver Whitecaps
4. San Jose Earthquakes

Group C (East)

1. Toronto FC
2. New England Revolution
3. Montreal Impact
4. D.C. United

Group D (West)

1. Real Salt Lake
2. Sporting Kansas City
3. Colorado Rapids
4. Minnesota United

Group E (East)

1. Atlanta United
2. FC Cincinnati
3. New York Red Bulls
4. Columbus Crew

Group F (West)

1. Los Angeles FC
2. LA Galaxy
3. Houston Dynamo
4. Portland Timbers