All 27 MLS clubs to rejoin U.S. Open Cup beginning 2027

Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Monday that all 27 U.S.-based clubs will re‑enter the U.S. Open Cup starting in the 2027 season, restoring full participation for the first time since the 2023 edition. The decision, confirmed in a joint statement from MLS and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), will see every top‑tier franchise compete in the nation’s historic knockout competition, which dates back to 1914 and traditionally includes clubs from every level of the American soccer pyramid.

The U.S. Open Cup has long been viewed as the American counterpart to Europe’s domestic cup tournaments, offering lower‑division teams a chance to face MLS opposition in single‑elimination matches. However, the past few seasons have seen a patchwork of MLS involvement: in 2020 the tournament was cancelled due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, and in 2021 and 2022 only a handful of MLS clubs entered, citing congested schedules and concerns over player fatigue. By 2023, a limited number of MLS sides participated, but the competition still fell short of its inclusive intent. The 2027 commitment marks a reversal of that trend, aiming to restore the cup’s original spirit of open competition across all tiers.

MLS officials framed the move as a strategic step to deepen the league’s integration with the broader U.S. soccer ecosystem. “Full participation in the Open Cup aligns with our vision of a unified, competitive landscape that benefits clubs, players, and fans alike,” said MLS commissioner Mark Abbott. The league argues that the tournament provides valuable exposure for emerging talent, offers additional revenue streams through ticket sales and broadcasting rights, and strengthens community ties by bringing professional clubs into smaller markets. The USSF echoed these points, emphasizing the tournament’s role in preserving the sport’s heritage and fostering competitive balance.

Not all stakeholders are uniformly enthusiastic. Some MLS clubs have expressed reservations about the added fixture load, especially those competing in the CONCACAF Champions League and the increasingly demanding MLS regular season. Club owners worry that a crowded calendar could strain squad depth, increase injury risk, and dilute the quality of league play. To address these concerns, MLS and USSF have agreed to a revised scheduling format that staggers cup matches during international breaks and allocates additional roster slots for cup‑specific players. The compromise is intended to balance the desire for full participation with the practical realities of modern club management.

The decision also carries implications for the sport’s commercial landscape in the United States. Broadcasters have signaled interest in securing rights to the expanded cup schedule, potentially adding a new revenue layer for both the league and participating clubs. Sponsors see the tournament as an avenue to reach diverse fan bases, from metropolitan MLS markets to grassroots communities supporting lower‑division sides. Moreover, the open‑format nature of the competition could catalyze increased attendance and viewership, reinforcing soccer’s growth trajectory in a market traditionally dominated by other major sports.

While the announcement does not directly involve Taiwan, the move underscores broader trends that resonate across the Asia‑Pacific region. As soccer’s global popularity continues to surge, the United States’ effort to harmonise its domestic competitions offers a model for integrating professional leagues with historic cup tournaments—a structure familiar in many Asian football associations. For Taiwanese clubs and investors eyeing overseas partnerships, the expanded U.S. Open Cup may present new avenues for player exchanges, scouting collaborations, and commercial ventures, further intertwining the sport’s economic networks across the Pacific.