U.S. Open Cup sets 27-match qualifying slate for Sept. 12-13

A record 155 amateur clubs are chasing 16 berths.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 281 min read

What happened: U.S. Soccer awarded 101 clubs byes into the Second Qualifying Round on Oct. 3-4. First-round winners will join them in that 128-team field.

Why it matters: The fall process determines which 16 amateur clubs reach the Tournament Proper next spring. Those qualifiers will gain the opportunity to face professional opposition in April 2027.

By the numbers: The 27 opening-round matches involve 54 clubs; paired with 101 byes, they account for all 155 qualifying entrants. The field will shrink from 128 clubs in October to 32 before the final qualifying round.

What to watch: Further rounds follow Oct. 31-Nov. 1, with the final qualifiers decided Nov. 21-22.

Sources

ussoccer.com 2026-08-28T12:34:00.869032+00:00

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