In 2027, Major League Soccer will return to the US Open Cup in full. All 27 United States-based teams will participate in the competition for the first time since 2023, multiple sources have confirmed to SixOneFive Soccer and Backheeled.
Ben Wright
Since the 2024 tournament, a limited number of MLS clubs have participated. The nine teams who did not qualify for Concacaf Champions Cup or Leagues Cup automatically participated, with the remaining seven clubs determined by their standings in the prior year's Supporters' Shield.
MLS is shifting their calendar to a European fall-to-spring model next year. The league will play a 14-match regular season followed by playoffs in the spring, before kicking off their first full season under the new format in late July. It remains to be seen how Leagues Cup will fit into the new calendar format.
Multiple sources confirm that MLS clubs will enter the tournament in July, with the final behind held in December.
Nashville SC have competed in the US Open Cup in all but two years of their existence, with the limited number of MLS teams participating and their playoff qualification the year prior excluding them from the tournament in 2024 and 2026. Nashville won the US Open Cup in 2025, their first trophy in club history.
