MLS Clubs Return to U.S. Open Cup in Full for 2027
All 27 U.S.-based MLS clubs will enter the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, joining at the Round of 64 in July, ending the league's partial withdrawal since 2023.
All 27 U.S.-based MLS clubs will take part in the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, multiple sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic. It will be the first time since 2023 that every eligible MLS side has entered the competition.
MLS teams join in July, at the Round of 64, with the final set for December. Sources said the new schedule has been drawn up with Leagues Cup in mind and will not clash with that MLS-Liga MX event.
The Open Cup, which dates back to 1913-14, has picked up momentum in recent years. Prize money doubled to $1 million in 2025, and CBS bought the media rights for the 2025 and 2026 editions.
MLS pulled its clubs out of the competition in December 2023, months after Lionel Messi's Inter Miami lost the Open Cup final with Messi watching from the sideline through injury. The league cited fixture congestion, though the withdrawal came just as Leagues Cup was being rolled out. MLS also had no control over broadcast rights, marketing or competition standards in a tournament run by the U.S. Soccer Federation, which took a cut of ticket revenue on every match — up to 50% for the semi-final and final.
Commissioner Don Garber gave his verdict on the tournament at a U.S. Soccer board meeting in May 2023.
«a very poor reflection on what it is we're trying to do with soccer at the highest level».
The pullout also gave MLS Next Pro sides an opening in the bracket.
About this article
Prepared by the editorial team with the help of algorithms, based on the sources listed