U.S. Soccer confirmed the format for the 2027 U.S. Open Cup. While all 27 U.S.-based Major League Soccer clubs will participate, there will not be full participation from USL.
There are 45 teams from the second and third divisions that are eligible for the tournament. This includes 25 clubs from the USL Championship, 17 from USL League One, and three independent clubs from MLS NEXT Pro.
With only 37 slots available, standings in the USL Championship and USL League One will determine first-round entry criteria, according to U.S. Soccer. Five USL Championship clubs will receive guaranteed entry into the Round of 64: the Players’ Shield winner, USL Championship Playoffs winner, Eastern Conference top seed, Western Conference top seed, and Prinx Tires USL Cup champion.
The tournament will begin in April and end Dec. 15, with the final five rounds taking place after Labor Day.
Teams will compete for a $1 million prize purse and a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Teams entering in the Round of 64 — MLS clubs and five USL Championship sides — will hold hosting priority while lower-division teams that advance will hold hosting priority in the Round of 32.
The overall format, draw groups, and pairings will be based on geography and single-elimination competition principles, according to U.S. Soccer. Random selection will be used when a geographic fit is unavailable. Draw groups may also account for venue availability in any round based on competing teams' league schedules or other conditions under tournament regulations.
“The U.S. Open Cup gives clubs from every level of American soccer the opportunity to compete on the same stage, and that’s what has always made this tournament special,” USL President of Competition and Administration Brett Luy said in a statement. “We’re excited about what the 2027 competition will bring for our clubs, supporters and communities, and we look forward to continuing to work with U.S. Soccer to make the Open Cup as strong and successful as it can be.”
