HIGH POINT, N.C. (Sept. 2, 2026) – U.S. Soccer today confirmed the format for the 112th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which will feature all 27 U.S.-based Major League Soccer (Division I) clubs.
The Foxes will participate in the 112th edition of the tournament in the First Round, scheduled for April 13-14 and April 20-21, 2027. Carolina Core FC is one of three eligible MLS NEXT Pro clubs in the field, joining Chattanooga FC and Connecticut United FC.
The 2027 U.S. Open Cup will feature 96 teams from across the American soccer landscape, including clubs from Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, USL League One, MLS NEXT Pro and the Open Division. Carolina Core FC will face an Open Division opponent in the First Round, with matchups determined geographically and announced by U.S. Soccer in early 2027.
As an independent MLS NEXT Pro club, Carolina Core FC is eligible to participate under the tournament’s “one club, one entry” structure. MLS NEXT Pro teams affiliated with Major League Soccer clubs are not eligible to enter separately from their MLS first teams.
“Competing in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a huge honor for our club and an opportunity to compete for something bigger, and we do not take that responsibility lightly,” said Carolina Core FC Head Coach Jake Davis. “The Open Cup provides a platform to showcase what American soccer is all about. With teams competing across different leagues and divisions, this competition has the ability to bring the soccer community together, and we are grateful to play our part in it.”
“We know how special cup competitions can be, and we are excited for the opportunity to showcase our team on the national stage against any opposition,” Davis added.
First played in 1914, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the longest-running national soccer competition in the United States. The single-elimination tournament brings professional and amateur clubs together to compete for a national championship, a $1 million prize purse and a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Additional details regarding Carolina Core FC’s First Round opponent, match date, location and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
First Round: April 13-14 & 20-21, 2027
Round of 64: July 8-11, 2027
Round of 32: Sept. 14-15, 2027
Round of 16: TBC
Quarterfinals: Nov. 23-24, 2027
Semifinals: Dec. 1, 2027
Final: Dec. 15, 2027
(dates subject to change)
2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Field
Entering in First Round
- 32 teams from Division II & III
- If field of eligible teams exceeds 32, USL Championship and USL League One standings will determine qualifying criteria
- All eligible* MLS NEXT Pro teams will enter:
- Carolina Core FC
- Chattanooga FC
- Connecticut United FC
MLS NEXT Pro teams that are part of a club that plays in Division I MLS are not eligible based on the one club, one entry principle. Players from MLS NEXT Pro teams affiliated with Division I entrants may appear in the competition for their MLS Division I affiliate (subject to competition roster regulations)*
- 32 teams from Open Division
- 16 Open Division slots will be earned by teams that advance through this fall’s Qualifying Rounds (click here for Qualifying details)
- 16 Open Division slots have been filled with teams that earned byes based on performances in select 2026 competitions (click here for full list)
Entering in Round of 64
- 27 MLS (Division I) teams
- Five (5) seeded teams from USL Championship (Division II)
- Players’ Shield winner
- USL Championship Playoffs winner
- Eastern Conference top seed
- Western Conference top seed
- Prinx Tires USL Cup champion*
The 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup Champion is guaranteed to come from the USL Championship*
