What happened: U.S. Soccer awarded 101 amateur clubs byes into the second qualifying round. Geography and random selection shaped the matchups, while hosts were chosen randomly.
Why it matters: A record 155 amateur entrants are competing for 16 places in the tournament proper. Those qualifiers will face professional clubs beginning in April 2027.
By the numbers: The opening round puts 54 clubs into action, 34.8% of the qualifying field. The 16 available berths represent 10.3% of all entrants.
What to watch: Winners advance to the 64-match second round Oct. 3-4. Further rounds are scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 and Nov. 21-22.