A record 146 amateur soccer clubs will take part in the Open Division Qualifying Rounds for the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This event marks the 111th edition of the tournament, which is organized by U.S. Soccer.
These qualifying rounds, which surpass last year’s high of 114 participating teams, will determine 16 entrants into next year’s Tournament Proper. The matches are scheduled across four weekends: Sept. 13-14, Oct. 11-12, Nov. 1-2, and Nov. 22-23, 2025.
The teams represent a range of leagues from across the United States—28 regional and national amateur and semi-professional organizations in total. The United Premier Soccer League leads representation with 66 participating teams, followed by the American Premier Soccer League with 14 and the National Premier Soccer League with ten.
Established clubs such as Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals (four-time champions) and New York Pancyprian Freedoms (three-time champions) are among those competing this year. Other notable qualifiers include FORO SC and Virginia Dream FC, both known for upset wins against professional sides during earlier tournaments.
Florida is fielding the highest number of clubs (23), followed by California (22) and New York (11). A total of twenty-nine states and Washington D.C. have at least one team represented in these rounds.
Half of the Open Division’s thirty-two slots in next year’s tournament will be filled through these qualifiers; three slots have already been awarded to West Chester SC, Tennessee Tempo FC, and El Farolito based on recent competition achievements. The remaining places will be allocated to national leagues such as NPSL and USL League Two depending on their membership for the coming season.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dates back to 1914 as an annual knockout competition open to professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. Since its renaming in honor of American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt in 1999, it remains a key event in U.S. soccer’s calendar.
The winner of the upcoming tournament will earn a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup and have their name inscribed on the Dewar Challenge Trophy at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas.
For more information on participating clubs or updates regarding match draws and schedules, details can be found at usopencup.com.
