2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: Format, Teams, and Schedule Set
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, America’s historic national club championship, is set to return for its 111th edition in 2026. U.S. Soccer has detailed the tournament’s format, schedule, and participating teams, ensuring a competitive atmosphere for both amateur and professional soccer. The tournament is scheduled to kick off in mid-March and will conclude with the final match on October 21, 2026.
2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
A total of 80 teams will vie for a $1 million prize, along with a chance to qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. The competition will consist of seven rounds, which is one less than previous years, allowing for better alignment with the FIFA Men’s World Cup calendar. Additionally, slots for professional teams have been decreased to 48, ensuring equitable distribution across various divisions. Teams must have completed a league season in 2025 to qualify for this year’s tournament.
Tournament Format and Rules
Significant changes in the rules include the implementation of a “one-club, one-entry” policy. This mandates that each professional club enters only its highest-level team. In the Open Division, all amateur teams will participate directly through U.S. Soccer, bypassing previous qualifying tracks. Furthermore, clubs can field an unlimited number of players on their rosters, allowing flexibility in team selection up to one day before each match.
Round Breakdown
- First Round: March 17-19, 2026
- Second Round: March 31 – April 1, 2026
- Round of 32: April 14-15, 2026
- Round of 16: April 28-29, 2026
- Quarterfinals: May 19-20, 2026
- Semifinals: September 15-16, 2026
- Final: October 21, 2026
Participating Teams
The tournament will feature various teams across three professional divisions and amateur levels. Notably, 16 Major League Soccer teams will enter in the Round of 32, having been selected based on their standings at the end of the 2025 season. The qualification for these teams depends significantly on their performance in the Concacaf Champions Cup and the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Amateur Participation and Open Division
Amateur clubs will consist of both teams entering through qualifying rounds and those receiving byes due to exceptional performances. Qualifying rounds held in Fall 2025 paved the way for additional teams to participate in the First Round.
The Legacy of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Since its inception in 1914, with interruptions only in 2020 and 2021, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has been a vital part of American soccer culture. This tournament not only highlights the capabilities of teams across different levels but also maintains the unique opportunity for amateurs to compete directly against professionals. The winner will engrave its name on the Dewar Challenge Trophy, further solidifying its legacy within U.S. soccer.
Fans can anticipatively follow the updates and results of the tournament online on social media or through the El-Balad platform, ensuring a deeply engaging experience with this traditional competition.
