D.C. United announced Sept. 2, 2026, that it will compete in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, joining all 27 U.S.-based Major League Soccer clubs in the nation’s longest-running soccer competition. MLS clubs will enter the tournament in the Round of 64 in July after the First Round, with hosting priority for their opening matches.
The timing of the clubs’ entry aligns with preparations for the start of the 2027-28 MLS regular season as Major League Soccer transitions to a summer-to-spring competition calendar. The U.S. Open Cup uses a one-club, one-entry format and does not impose a numerical limit on eligible players for the competition roster.
2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Format
For the 2027 competition, game-day rosters will expand from 18 to 20 players. MLS clubs may select from contracted first-team, MLS NEXT Pro and academy players, providing flexibility as teams manage multiple competitions.
Following the Round of 64, a live draw will determine the Round of 32 and Round of 16 matchups and hosting scenarios. The Round of 32 is scheduled for Sept. 14-15, the Round of 16 dates are to be confirmed, the Quarterfinals are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, the Semifinals for Dec. 1 and the Final for Dec. 15. The listed dates are subject to change.
D.C. United’s U.S. Open Cup History
D.C. United has won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times. The club defeated the Rochester Rhinos 3-0 in the 1996 final, beat the Charleston Battery 2-1 in the 2008 final and defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 in the 2013 final.
Major League Soccer clubs have participated in the competition since the league’s inaugural season in 1996. An MLS club has won every edition of the tournament since 2000.
“The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup connects all leagues, clubs and fans in a unique way,” said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting and Matchday. “For MLS clubs, it’s a chance to write a special chapter in the tournament’s history and earn qualification to the Concacaf Champions Cup.”
MSB Analysis
D.C. United’s participation places the club in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 64 in July. The competition will allow the club to select from contracted first-team, MLS NEXT Pro and academy players, while the 20-player game-day roster provides the 2027 format announced by Major League Soccer.
Source: Original report
