All 27 MLS clubs in the United States to enter the historic domestic competition in the Round of 64
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 2, 2026) – D.C. United today announced that the club will be joining all 27 U.S.-based MLS clubs to compete in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the nation’s longest-running soccer competition.
Following the First Round, MLS clubs will enter the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 64 in July, with MLS clubs receiving hosting priority for their opening match of the competition.
The timing of MLS clubs’ entry into the tournament aligns with preparations for the start of the 2027-28 MLS regular season as the league completes its transition to a new summer-to-spring competition calendar.
The U.S. Open Cup adheres to “one club, one entry,” and does not place a numerical limit on the eligible players for the competition roster. For 2027, U.S. Open Cup game day rosters are expanding from 18 to 20 players, and MLS clubs may select from any contracted first-team, MLS NEXT Pro, and academy players. This flexibility helps provide younger players with competitive minutes while allowing clubs to manage multiple competitions.
“The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup connects all leagues, clubs and fans in a unique way,” said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting and Matchday. “For MLS clubs, it’s a chance to write a special chapter in the tournament’s history and earn qualification to the Concacaf Champions Cup.”
Following the Round of 64, a live draw will be held to reveal the matchups and hosting scenarios for the Round of 32 and Round of 16. The Round of 32 will be played on September 14-15. The Round of 16 dates are to be confirmed, followed by the Quarterfinals on November 23-24, Semifinals on December 1 and the Final on December 15. These dates are subject to change.
MLS clubs have been a part of the U.S. Open Cup since the League’s inaugural season in 1996, and an MLS side has won every edition of the tournament since 2000.
D.C. United has won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times in club history. The Black-and-Red claimed their first U.S. Open Cup trophy in their inaugural season in 1996, defeating the Rochester Rhinos 3-0. Their second title came in 2008 with a 2-1 victory against the Charleston Battery and the Black-and-Red won their most recent U.S. Open Cup in 2013, outlasting Real Salt Lake 1-0.
