The U.S. Open Cup returns for 2026, bringing with it the magic of a competition pitting underdogs against full professional teams. Two MLS NEXT Pro sides, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC, will begin their Cup campaigns this week.
Chattanooga FC, coming off a tough road loss against Chicago Fire FC II in league play, will face UPSL side Kalonji Pro-Profile, while Carolina Core FC faces Virginia Dream FC of the NPSL.
Let's take a look at the Cup matchups to watch for in midweek.
Wednesday, March 18
Chattanooga FC vs. Kalonji
6 p.m. ET | YouTube
Finley Stadium
Chattanooga FC, an independent MLS NEXT Pro team, will compete in the U.S. Open Cup for the 11th season. CFC takes on Kalonji Pro-Profile, a UPSL Premier Division side based in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
CFC is off to a lukewarm start to the MLS NEXT Pro season, with one win and two losses. Interim head coach Richard Dixon's side has scored six goals in those three games, with Alex McGrath finding a strong start to 2026 with a goal in each of the past two games.
Thursday, March 19
Carolina Core FC vs. Virginia Dream
6 p.m. | YouTube
Carolina Core FC starts the Open Cup campaign taking on NPSL side Virginia Dream FC on Thursday. Core look to get back on track in the Cup after a turbulent beginning of the season in MLS NEXT Pro.
Donovan Ricketts' side is winless, coming off a disappointing home opener in which Orlando City B erased a 2-0 Core lead to take a 3-2 win.
The Core squad will take some time to gel, with several new players seeing their first minutes for the club. Newcomers Thomas Raimbault, a center midfielder from New Zealand, and Ricardo Montenegro, a former Inter Miami II player, have impressed so far.
