Overview
- MLS announced Wednesday that every U.S.-based club will compete in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and will enter the tournament at the Round of 64 in July with hosting priority for those opening matches.
- The 2027 field will be 96 teams, the winner will receive a $1 million prize, and the tournament calendar sets the Round of 32 for Sept. 14-15, quarterfinals for Nov. 23-24, semifinals on Dec. 1 and the final on Dec. 15.
- Gameday rosters will expand from 18 to 20 players and MLS clubs may select from contracted first-team players, MLS NEXT Pro affiliates and academy players to manage workload across competitions.
- The return ends three seasons of limited MLS participation that began after public disputes over the Open Cup’s presentation and scheduling, including MLS proposals to use reserve sides that U.S. Soccer rejected.
- Giving MLS hosting priority in the Round of 64 and shifting later rounds into the fall and December could reduce midseason congestion and change upset dynamics for lower-division clubs while creating new calendar and fan-market tests.