Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially announced that all 27 clubs based in the United States will participate in the 2027 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the longest-running soccer competition in the nation. This decision underscores the league's commitment to fostering competitive soccer across various levels in the United States.
The MLS teams will join the tournament in the Round of 64, which is set to commence in July, following the First Round. Notably, MLS clubs will have the advantage of hosting their opening matches, a move designed to enhance fan engagement and support for local teams.
This entry into the US Open Cup coincides with the MLS's transition to a new competition calendar, shifting from a traditional spring-to-fall schedule to a summer-to-spring format. This change aims to align the league's schedule with international soccer calendars, allowing for better integration of MLS teams into global competitions.
The US Open Cup operates under a “one club, one entry” policy, which means each participating club can only enter one team into the tournament. Additionally, there is no cap on the number of players that can be included in a team's roster for the competition. For the 2027 edition, the gameday rosters will expand from 18 to 20 players. This change allows MLS clubs to draw from a wider pool of talent, including contracted first-team players, those from MLS NEXT Pro, and academy prospects. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for clubs looking to give younger players valuable match experience while managing the demands of multiple competitions.
Nelson Rodriguez, the Executive Vice President of Sporting and Matchday for MLS, emphasized the unique connection that the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup creates among leagues, clubs, and fans. He stated, “For MLS clubs, it’s a chance to write a special chapter in the tournament’s history and earn qualification to the Concacaf Champions Cup.” This highlights the importance of the tournament not only as a competitive platform but also as a pathway to prestigious international competitions.
Following the Round of 64, a live draw will take place to determine the matchups and hosting arrangements for the subsequent rounds, including the Round of 32 and Round of 16. The Round of 32 is scheduled for September 14-15, with the dates for the Round of 16 yet to be confirmed. The tournament will progress to the Quarterfinals on November 23-24, Semifinals on December 1, and conclude with the Final on December 15. However, all dates are subject to change, reflecting the dynamic nature of tournament scheduling.
MLS teams have been involved in the US Open Cup since the league's inception in 1996, and it is noteworthy that an MLS club has claimed victory in every edition of the tournament since the year 2000. This consistent success highlights the growth and competitiveness of Major League Soccer within the broader landscape of American soccer.
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