ATLANTA – U.S. Soccer has announced the Open Division details for the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup including entry details and dates for the Qualifying Rounds.
The Open Division will again produce 32 teams for the Tournament Proper, including 16 squads that will emerge from the Qualifying Rounds and 16 that will receive direct entry based on performances in select competitions.
Teams entering via the Qualifying Rounds can register now through August 4 at usopencup.com.
Qualifying Round Details Announced
The Qualifying Round entry period for the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will begin on Thursday, July 9, and close on Tuesday, August 4. Teams interested in entering the 2027 U.S. Open Cup can visit usopencup.com to view entry details and updated competition regulations.
The match windows for the fall Qualifying Rounds of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will begin in September and conclude in November of 2026.
Most teams will begin their Open Cup journey on one of the first two qualifying round dates depending on the final number of entries and rounds required to reach a field of 16 teams that will advance to the Tournament Proper in 2027.
Qualifying Round Match Windows
- September 12-13, 2026
- October 3-4, 2026
- October 31-November 1, 2026
- November 21-22, 2026
2027 Open Division Slot Allocation
The 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will allocate slots for teams from the Open Division as follows:
- 16 slots to teams advancing via the Qualifying Rounds
- 16 slots for teams/competitions awarded a bye directly into the Tournament Proper
- John Motta Trophy holder (2026 U.S. Open Cup – Open Division Prize Winner)
- Competition Champions
- USASA Amateur Cup Champion
- 2026 Steinbrecher Cup Champion
- NPSL 2026 Champion
- The League for Clubs 2026 Champion
- UPSL Spring 2026 Champion
- USL League Two 2026 Champion
- Additional Slots Awarded to the Following Competitions (Leagues)
- NPSL (2)
- USL League Two (6)
- UPSL (1)
Slot allocation will be reviewed on an annual basis and will consider historic participation and overall sporting and operational excellence, with consideration given to the availability of a league’s teams to participate in the Qualifying Rounds.
All teams awarded a bye into the Tournament Proper must accept entry by a deadline set prior to the announcement of the Qualifying Rounds schedule. Any slots that are unclaimed will become available via the Qualifying Rounds.
