The draw for the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 is officially in, and it has served up a mouth-watering regional clash. Atlanta United will enter the tournament on the road against Chattanooga FC on Wednesday, April 15, at Finley Stadium.
This matchup isn’t just another game—it’s a historic “first.” While the two clubs have met four times in friendlies dating back to 2017, this marks the first time Chattanooga will host an MLS side in a competitive, knockout tournament.
The Road to the Round of 16
Atlanta has been placed in the Clint Dempsey Group, a geographic pod named after the USMNT legend. The bracket setup is as follows:
- The Matchup: Atlanta United (MLS) vs. Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
- The “Other” Side: Charlotte FC (MLS) vs. Charlotte Independence (USL League One)
- The Stakes: If Atlanta takes care of business in the Scenic City, they will face the winner of the Charlotte “Derby” in the Round of 16 (April 28-29).
Venue Note: Due to massive infrastructure preparations and “city beautification” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United is unable to host matches in the Round of 32 or Round of 16. If they advance against the winner of the Charlotte matchup, they will be the traveling side once again.
Chattanooga: The Giant-Killer Legend
Chattanooga FC enters this match as the only MLS NEXT Pro side left in the competition. Their path here was hard-earned:
- First Round: A 2-1 comeback win over Kalonji Pro-Profile.
- Second Round: A gritty 1-0 victory over Tennessee Tempo FC.
- The Record: CFC holds an all-time Open Cup record of 8W-7L-6D. Playing at Finley Stadium (Capacity: 20,668) provides them with one of the most intimidating home-field advantages in lower-division soccer.
Tournament Context: The Big Picture
The Round of 32 is where the heavy hitters arrive. The field currently consists of:
- 16 MLS Clubs (Entering this round)
- 9 USL Championship sides
- 6 USL League One sides
- 1 MLS NEXT Pro side (Chattanooga FC)
2026 U.S. Open Cup Key Dates
- Round of 32: April 14–15
- Round of 16: April 28–29
- Quarterfinals: May 19–20
- Semifinals: Sept. 15–16
- Final: Oct. 21
Related Coverage from AtlantaSoccer.news
- The “A” Moves South: A Look Inside the Fayetteville National Training Center Opening this Spring
- Culebro’s Cup Strategy: How the New President Views the U.S. Open Cup as a Priority
- Finley Stadium Survival Guide: What Fans Traveling to Chattanooga Need to Know
ASN Fan Voice: It’s a classic “David vs. Goliath” but with a local twist. Will the 5-Stripes’ depth be too much for the Boys in Blue, or will Finley Stadium witness the biggest upset in Chattanooga history? Also—how are we feeling about the “Clint Dempsey Group” name? Drop your score predictions below! #ATLUTD #CFC #USOC2026 #OpenCup #AtlantaSoccer #ChattanoogaFC #TheA #SoccerNews #ASN
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.