The 2026 U.S. Open Cup format and subject are set with a brand new champion set to be topped subsequent October.
A complete of 16 MLS golf equipment will participate within the event, with CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup contributors being excluded. Final season’s finalists Austin FC, 2023 champions Houston Dynamo, and 2022 winners Orlando Metropolis are among the many MLS sides that can be concerned.
Reigning holders Nashville SC will not be on this season’s competitors after qualifying for the Champions Cup.
All MLS golf equipment will enter the event within the Spherical of 32.
Because of the FIFA World Cup, the Open Cup format has been lowered from eight rounds to seven whereas the quantity {of professional} membership contributors has been trimmed from 64 to 48.
A complete subject of 80 golf equipment will compete for $1 million in prize cash and a berth into the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
First and second spherical schedules can be introduced by U.S. Soccer in January 2026. A full record of the contributors and guidelines and laws might be discovered right here:
Here’s a breakdown of the round-by-round schedule:
First Spherical: Tuesday, March 17 – Thursday, March 19.
Second Spherical: Tuesday, March 31 – Wednesday, April 1.
Spherical of 32: Tuesday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 15.
Spherical of 16: Tuesday, April 28 – Wednesday, April 29.
Quarterfinals: Tuesday, Might 19 – Wednesday, Might 20.
Semifinals: Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Ultimate: Wednesday, October 21