According to Backheeled's Joseph Lowery and Ben Wright, all 27 MLS clubs based in the United States will participate in the 2027 edition of the U.S. Open Cup.
Sources: MLS to return all of its teams to the U.S. Open Cup
All 27 U.S.-based MLS teams will return to a revamped version of the country’s longest-running soccer competition.
Ben Wright
Additionally, the duo is reporting that under a new format, the U.S. Open Cup final will take place in December, according to multiple sources, with MLS teams entering the tournament in July.
The news comes after a back-and-forth between MLS, USL and the U.S. Open Cup in recent years. The full participation of MLS clubs hasn't occurred since 2023. Additionally, The Blazing Musket reported in December 2025 that the 2026 tournament wouldn't feature full participation from USL.
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.
Sam Lattof
