Atlanta United Set to Enter 2026 U.S. Open Cup in Round of 32

U.S. Soccer has officially dropped the details for the 111th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Atlanta United is once again in the mix for one of American soccer’s most historic trophies. The Five Stripes are one of 16 MLS clubs entering the competition in the Round of 32, with matches set for April 14 or 15. Venue and ticket information will be announced soon.

For Atlanta, this marks the club’s seventh appearance in the tournament—and its first since 2024. And of course, fans remember 2019, when the Five Stripes lifted the U.S. Open Cup trophy for the first time in club history.

This year’s competition brings together elite amateur and professional teams from across the country, all chasing a piece of a $1 million purse and a coveted spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. CBS Sports will once again serve as the multimedia broadcast partner, showcasing the tournament nationwide.

A New-Look Format for 2026

The 2026 U.S. Open Cup will feature seven rounds—one fewer than recent editions—to avoid overlapping with the FIFA Men’s World Cup. Because of the condensed format, the field of professional teams has been reduced from 64 to 48, with spots allocated evenly across divisions.

League standings from the 2025 season will determine which professional teams are eligible, ensuring that only clubs with active league participation qualify.

How the Tournament Will Unfold

The journey starts in mid-March:

• First Round (March 17–19):
  32 matches featuring elite amateur sides squaring off against lower-division professional clubs from Divisions II and III.
• Second Round (March 31–April 1):
  Winners from the First Round face off for a chance to meet MLS competition.
• Round of 32 (April 14–15):
  This is where Atlanta United enters.
  The 16 Second-Round winners will each face one of the 16 MLS teams. Eight MLS teams will be seeded as home sides and eight as away, based on qualifying criteria.

From there, the field narrows quickly:

• Round of 16: April 28–29
• Quarterfinals: May 19–20

Following the quarterfinals, the competition will pause for the summer before resuming with:

• Semifinals: Sept. 15–16
• Final: Oct. 21

The first two draws—including the First and Second Rounds—will be announced in January. A live draw on April 2 will determine Round of 32 matchups and all subsequent pairings.

Geography, Logistics, and the Cup Magic

Matchups are based heavily on geography to create competitive balance and reduce travel. Single-elimination rules mean every game is win-or-go-home, and random draws will resolve any logistical conflicts. Venue availability and league schedules may influence draw groupings, keeping the tournament flexible but fair.

Since 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has served as the country’s longest-running national soccer competition—and one of the oldest in the world. It remains the only major U.S. tournament where amateur teams can step on the field against full-time pros, and every year, its magic delivers.

What This Means for Atlanta United

For Atlanta United, the 2026 U.S. Open Cup is another chance to make a statement, reignite a trophy chase, and relive the energy of that 2019 title run. With a hungry roster, renewed direction, and a knockout format that rewards sharp play and resilience, the Five Stripes have everything to play for come April.

And for fans? It’s one more exciting chapter ahead in a historic American soccer tradition.