The Seattle Sounders are officially set to return to the U.S. Open Cup in 2027, thanks to a brand-new tournament format that just got announced this week. This isn’t just a minor tweak, folks, this is a full-blown comeback for our boys in a tournament they absolutely own. We’re talking about them stepping back onto the pitch for the first time since 2023, and only the second time since 2019, in a cup they’ve hoisted an incredible four times.
The Cup Gets a Massive Overhaul, And We’re All In
They’re blowing this thing wide open for 2027 with a massive 96-team field. Get this: all 27 eligible MLS teams are in, meaning the Sounders are back where they belong. The rest of the bracket will feature 32 amateur teams, plus a whole collection of USL Championship, USL League One, and independent MLS Next Pro squads. The action kicks off early, with the first round slated for April, pitting lower-division professional teams against amateur opponents. But mark your calendars for July 8 through 11, because that’s when the big guns enter. The 32 winners from the first round will join our 27 MLS teams, along with five seeded USL Championship teams, for the Round of 64. That’s going to be wild, especially since it hits just before the league switches to its first-ever summer-to-spring MLS campaign. Then, if we keep winning, the Round of 32 rolls around on September 14 and 15. Oh, and for those keeping track, Leagues Cup is also scheduled to make its return in mid-August.
Why the Sounders Are Finally Returning to Their Cup
So, what changed? Apparently, a big reason all MLS teams are back in the fold is a willingness to expand U.S. Open Cup rosters from 18 to 20 players. And this is the kicker: they’re allowing unlimited call-ups from MLS Next Pro and academy teams. What does that mean for us? It means the Sounders could potentially field a roster very similar to the one our Tacoma Defiance used in the 2025 tournament. This is a game-changer! It provides flexibility and a pathway for our younger talent. Remember, MLS started limiting participation in 2024, citing fixture congestion as the reason. But with these new rules, it looks like they’ve found a way to make it work, and the Emerald City is better for it.
This is huge for our club’s history and future. We’ve got our eyes set on 2027, ready to see the Sounders chase that fifth U.S. Open Cup trophy!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Sounder at Heart.
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