NEW YORK — Major League Soccer is partnering with EA Sports to create a competitive league around the company's FIFA 18 soccer game.

The best 19 players from the United States and Canada will compete in the inaugural eMLS Cup to determine who will take part in the EA Sports Global Series Playoffs, and on to an eWorld Cup.

To start, 19 MLS teams will participate and each club will select its own player from its region. The eMLS Cup will debut in April at PAX East, a gaming festival in Boston.

"This step forward into competitive gaming is a key component in our partnership with EA SPORTS to promote deeper engagement and connections between MLS supporters and the millions of FIFA players around the world," said Gary Stevenson, president and managing director of MLS Business Ventures.