The Return of the Pyramid: Why MLS is Rejoining the Open Cup
AI-generated image · US National Wire
After years of withholding teams from the nation's oldest soccer competition, Major League Soccer is reportedly ending its closed-shop experiment.
Q: What is the latest news regarding Major League Soccer's involvement in the US Open Cup?
A: As The Guardian first reported, and citing a report from Backheeled, MLS will permit all 27 of its US-based teams to participate in the US Open Cup next year. This marks the end of a three-year stretch where the league limited its participation in the tournament.
Q: Why is the US Open Cup significant to the American soccer landscape?
A: The Guardian describes the US Open Cup as the oldest soccer competition in the United States, having run continuously since 1914, with the exception of the 2020 and 2021 seasons during the Covid-19 pandemic. Similar to the FA Cup in England, it is a single-elimination tournament that integrates teams from every level of the soccer system, including semi-pro and amateur sides.
Q: Why did MLS decide to withdraw its teams in the first place?
A: In May 2023, Commissioner Don Garber stated that the Open Cup was "a very poor reflection" of the league's goals for high-level soccer. The Guardian reports that Garber and other league officials cited concerns over professionalism and presentation, noting that games were frequently played in public parks or high school stadiums. Additionally, the league pointed to inconsistent streaming and scheduling, as well as fixture congestion caused by the 2023 expansion of the Leagues Cup.
Q: How did the league attempt to replace its first-team presence in the tournament?
A: MLS initially proposed sending reserve teams from its third-division affiliate, MLS Next Pro, instead of its primary squads. However, The Guardian reports that the US Soccer Federation, which administers the competition, rejected this proposal.
Q: What happened during the transition period between 2024 and 2026?
A: After the initial controversy, a deal was struck for eight MLS teams to enter the 2024 competition. For the 2025 and 2026 editions, the league entered 16 of its 30 teams, primarily selecting those that did not qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup or the Leagues Cup. The Guardian notes that Nashville SC won the 2025 title after defeating Austin FC in the final.
Q: Where does the competition stand currently?
A: The 2026 tournament has reached the semi-final stage. According to The Guardian, MLS teams make up all four remaining squads: Orlando City will face the Columbus Crew, and the Colorado Rapids will play St Louis City on September 16.
Q: Are there any remaining uncertainties regarding the league's participation?
A: While the return of all 27 teams is reported, The Guardian notes it is still unclear how this will align with MLS's transition to a fall-to-spring schedule, which is set to begin in late 2027.