Nashville SC won't have the chance to defend their 2025 US Open Cup title next season.
On Thursday, US Soccer announced the format and participating teams for the 2026 edition of the tournament, the oldest cup competition in American soccer. Only 16 MLS clubs will participate, with the sides playing in Concacaf Champions Cup and/or Leagues Cup excluded from the tournament.
In a surprise move, US Soccer also announced that not every USL Championship club will be involved, with only 17 of the league's 24 sides entering the competition. Only two MLS NEXT Pro sides – Chattanooga FC and Carolina Core FC, both independent clubs – will be involved.
The tournament will feature seven rounds, trimming a round to accomadate for the FIFA World Cup, played in the United States, Canada and Mexico from mid-June to mid-July.
