Sources: 2026 U.S. Open Cup Will Not Feature Full USL Participation
Multiple sources have told The Blazing Musket that the 2026 U.S. Open Cup will not feature full participation from USL Clubs.
The 2026 U.S. Open Cup will not feature full participation from professional USL clubs, multiple sources have told The Blazing Musket.
The news comes in the wake of Major League Soccer not featuring all of its first teams in recent competitions, with some first teams replaced by second teams. 16 MLS teams played in the tournament last year, while 10 MLS Next Pro teams participated. All 14 USL League One clubs and all 24 USL Championship clubs played in the tournament in 2025.
The 2026 calendar will be busier than ever as the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place during the MLS and USL regular seasons. When asked to comment, a USL Spokesperson said that “all USL clubs eligible for the tournament will be participating in the U.S Open Cup next season.”
U.S. Soccer did not respond as of publication to request for comment.