The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the oldest soccer competition in the United States, is set to commence its 110th edition in 2025. This historic tournament brings together teams from various levels of American soccer, offering a platform for both professional and amateur clubs to compete for national glory. The 2025 edition promises to be particularly exciting, with a record number of teams participating and a revised format aimed at enhancing the competition’s inclusivity and competitiveness.
Tournament Structure and Format
The 2025 U.S. Open Cup will feature a total of 96 teams, comprising 16 Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams, and 70 teams from the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Open Division. The Open Division includes clubs from the USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, and other amateur leagues. This diverse participation underscores the tournament’s commitment to fostering soccer at all levels across the nation.
The competition will commence with the First Round, scheduled for the week of March 18-20, 2025. In this round, 32 Open Division teams will face off against 32 professional teams, including those from the USL Championship and USL League One. The winners will advance to the Second Round, which will consist of 16 matches. The remaining 16 professional teams from the USL Championship will enter the tournament in the Third Round, scheduled for April 15-16, 2025. MLS teams will join the competition in the Round of 32, with matches set for May 6 and 7, 20
Participating Teams
The 16 MLS teams participating in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup are:
- Austin FC
- Charlotte FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- D.C. United
- FC Dallas
- Houston Dynamo FC
- Minnesota United FC
- Nashville SC
- New England Revolution
- New York City FC
- New York Red Bulls
- Orlando City SC
- Philadelphia Union
- Portland Timbers
- San Jose Earthquakes
- St. Louis CITY SC
These teams will enter the tournament in the Round of 32, with eight of them hosting their opening matches.
In addition to the MLS teams, 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams will compete in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup. These teams will enter the tournament in the First Round, providing them with an opportunity to test their mettle against higher-tier competition.
The Open Division will feature a record-high 114 amateur teams, including clubs from the USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, and other amateur leagues. This unprecedented participation reflects the growing interest and investment in soccer across the United States.
Qualifying Rounds
The Open Division teams have been competing in qualifying rounds throughout the fall of 2024 to secure their spots in the tournament proper. The final qualifying matches took place on December 7-8, 2024, with seven teams clinching their places in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup. These teams will join the 25 teams that had already secured their spots through earlier qualifying rounds.
Tournament Highlights
The U.S. Open Cup is renowned for its “David vs. Goliath” matchups, where lower-division teams have the chance to challenge and sometimes defeat higher-division clubs. This dynamic adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the tournament. In recent years, teams like Sacramento Republic FC have made deep runs, with Sacramento reaching the final in 2022.
The 2025 edition is expected to continue this tradition, with numerous amateur and lower-division teams eager to make their mark against established professional clubs. The tournament’s structure, which allows for early-round upsets, ensures that every match is crucial and every team has a chance to advance.
Impact on U.S. Soccer
The U.S. Open Cup plays a vital role in the development of soccer in the United States. It provides a competitive platform for lower-division teams to showcase their talent and gain exposure. For higher-division teams, the tournament offers an opportunity to test their depth and integrate emerging players into competitive play.
Moreover, the U.S. Open Cup serves as a unifying force in American soccer, bringing together fans from diverse backgrounds and regions. The tournament’s inclusive nature fosters a sense of community and shared passion for the sport.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 U.S. Open Cup approaches, anticipation is building among teams and fans alike. The expanded participation and revised format promise a tournament filled with compelling storylines, unexpected outcomes, and memorable moments. Whether it’s a lower-division team achieving a historic upset or a top-tier club asserting its dominance, the 2025 U.S. Open Cup is poised to be a landmark event in the history of American soccer.
For fans in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the 2025 U.S. Open Cup offers an opportunity to witness the growth and development of soccer in the United States. While the tournament is based in the U.S., its global appeal and the increasing international presence in American soccer make it a competition worth following.
In conclusion, the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup stands as a testament to the rich history and bright future of soccer in the United States. With its expanded format and diverse participation, the tournament is set to deliver excitement and showcase the talent that exists at all levels of the sport. As the tournament unfolds