MLS Sends All Its US-Based Clubs to the 2027 US Open Cup, Scraps Tournament Cap

It hasn't happened since 2023: all 27 US-based MLS clubs will play in the 2027 US Open Cup. The league has just scrapped a rule that had been generating complaints from clubs and fans alike, the one that forced teams to choose which outside competitions they could enter, with a cap of two per season.

Why does this matter? Because until now, many clubs had to prioritize the Leagues Cup over the Open Cup, or simply sit out one of the two competitions because MLS made that call for them. In the 2026 edition of the tournament, only 16 US clubs from the league entered the Open Cup, while 18, counting the Canadian sides, played in the Leagues Cup. Under the new rule, that tradeoff disappears: qualifying clubs will be able to play in the Open Cup, the Leagues Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup without giving up a spot in any of them.

How the new format will work

MLS teams will enter the tournament directly in the Round of 64, starting in July 2027, timed to the launch of the league's new calendar (shifting from spring-to-fall to fall-to-spring) for the 2027-28 season. Clubs will also get priority to host that opening match, which is no small advantage given what home-field edge can mean.

After that opening round comes a live draw that will set the matchups for the Round of 32 and the Round of 16, along with who hosts each tie. The dates are already locked into the calendar: the Round of 32 will be played on September 14 and 15, the Round of 16 will be confirmed later, the quarterfinals will take place on November 23 and 24, the semifinals on December 1, and the final on December 15. Roster rules are changing too: clubs will be able to name 20 players per match instead of 18, and will be allowed to mix first-team players with academy or MLS NEXT Pro players, as long as they're under contract.

Nelson Rodriguez, MLS executive vice president of sporting operations and match day, summed it up this way:

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup connects every league, club and fan in a unique way. For MLS clubs, it's an opportunity to write a special chapter in the tournament's history and earn qualification for the Concacaf Champions Cup.Nelson Rodriguez

Meanwhile, the 2026 edition rolls on

All this is being announced with the 2026 Open Cup still underway. Four MLS clubs remain in the running for the title, with the semifinals set for September 16. Columbus Crew, champions of the tournament in 2002, will host Orlando City SC, who lifted the trophy in 2022. On the other side, the Colorado Rapids will host St. Louis City. Whoever advances from the Columbus-Orlando matchup will also earn the right to host the final, scheduled for October 21.