 The top two teams from each group along with the four best third-place teams will move on to the knockout stage, beginning with the Round of 16.The draw for the group stage took place on June 11 with FC Cincinnati placed in Group E. Atlanta United FC were predetermined as a top seed prior to the draw taking place for finishing as a semi-finalist in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.The New York Red Bulls and in-state rival Columbus Crew SC were randomly drawn as the two other group stage opponents.