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.