Soccer
The 2025 U.S. Open Cup field has been finalized.
16 MLS clubs will headline the 96-team field for this year’s edition of the competition, U.S. Soccer announced. In addition, 14 clubs from USL League One, 10 clubs from MLS NEXT Pro, and 24 teams of the USL Championship will round out the 64 professional clubs.
“The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a crucial connection point for all levels of soccer in the United States,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson ahead of the tournament, first contested in 1913. “U.S. Soccer exists in service to soccer and this historic tournament allows us to lift up the people who are leading the charge to support soccer in their communities. We’re pleased to continue working with and collaborating with all U.S. Soccer members to maximize the tournament’s impact on soccer at all levels in this country.”
The U.S. Open Cup officially kicks off on March 18-20 with a 32-game First Round array of exclusively amateur vs. pro matchups. The eight lowest seeded USL Championship teams will enter in the First Round, along with USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro sides. The 16 higher-seeded USLC clubs will enter in the Third Round, and the 16 MLS teams will enter the tournament in the Round of 32.
There will be 26 teams making Open Cup debuts in 2025 including six from MLS NEXT Pro.
Austin FC, New York Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo, and the Portland Timbers are among the 16 MLS clubs that will take part in the competition. Reigning Open Cup winners LAFC, will be sending their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, LAFC II to the competition.
Here is a breakdown of the round-by-round schedule:
First Round March 18-20
Second Round April 1-2
Third Round April 15-16
Round of 32 May 6-7
Round of 16 May 20-21
Quarterfinals July 8-9
Semifinal Sept. 16-17
Final Oct. 1
Read MoreLarry Henry Jr