The magic of the cup is back. U.S. Soccer officially announced the First Round draw for the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, sparking hope for amateur dreamers and lower-division pros across the country. As the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States, the 111th edition of this tournament promises the same “Pro vs. Amateur” drama that has defined American soccer for over a century.
While Major League Soccer clubs—including our own Atlanta United—won’t enter the fray until the Round of 32 in April, the opening round in March is where the “giant-killers” are born. For local fans and youth soccer parents, this is the perfect time to witness the raw intensity of do-or-die soccer in our own backyard.
The “Georgia Underdogs”: Local Clubs Chasing Glory
Atlanta’s influence on the 2026 tournament starts early. While the 5-Stripes wait for their Round of 32 entry on April 14–15, several regional clubs are looking to make a name for themselves in the opening matches.
Key Matchups with Local Interest:
- Chattanooga FC vs. Kalonji Pro-Profile (March 18): This is the one to watch for Georgia residents. Snellville-based Kalonji Pro-Profile earned their spot through a grueling qualifying round and will now travel to Finley Stadium to face the pros of Chattanooga FC.
- South Georgia Tormenta FC vs. FC America CFL Spurs (March 17): Based in Statesboro, Tormenta FC looks to protect their home turf against the Florida-based amateur side in what is always a high-energy “Pro vs. Amateur” clash.
- Asheville City SC vs. Greenville Triumph SC (March 18): A battle of the Carolinas just a short drive from North Georgia, featuring perennial League One contenders Greenville Triumph.
For fans who can’t make the drive, U.S. Soccer and CBS Sports have confirmed that every single First Round match will be streamed live. Matches not airing on CBS Sports platforms or Paramount+ will be available for free on U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel.
Tactical Spotlight: The Shorter 2026 Format
To avoid a calendar logjam with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer has condensed the Open Cup format this year. The tournament now features seven rounds—one fewer than previous editions.
2026 Tournament Schedule:
| Round | Dates | Key Entries |
| First Round | March 17–19 | USL Championship, League One, Amateurs |
| Second Round | March 31–April 1 | First Round Winners |
| Round of 32 | April 14–15 | Atlanta United & 15 other MLS Clubs |
| Round of 16 | April 28–29 | — |
| Quarterfinals | May 19–20 | — |
| Semifinals | Sept. 15–16 | — |
| Final | Oct. 21, 2026 | — |
This “sprint” format means every match carries even more weight. Atlanta United, winners of the 2019 Open Cup, will enter as a seeded host or road team based on their 2025 Supporters’ Shield standing, looking to bring the trophy back to the A for the first time in seven years.
What This Means for Local Fandom
The U.S. Open Cup is the only competition in American sports where a local amateur team—like those training at the new Nike Research Lab in Fayetteville—could theoretically face off against superstars like Miguel Almirón or Alexey Miranchuk.
For youth soccer parents, taking your players to see Kalonji Pro-Profile or Tormenta FC is an invaluable lesson in the “Path to the Pros.” It shows that with enough grit, the gap between the amateur ranks and the professional spotlight can be bridged in just 90 minutes.
Next Steps for Fans
The countdown to the March 17 kickoff is on. Here is how you can get involved:
- Support Local: If you’re near Snellville or Statesboro, grab tickets to support our local amateur and pro clubs in their quest for a “Cupset.”
- Mark the Calendar: Atlanta United fans should save April 2, 2026, for the live draw that will determine who the 5-Stripes face in the Round of 32.
- Tune In: Subscribe to the U.S. Soccer YouTube channel now so you don’t miss any of the 32 First Round broadcasts.
Will we see a massive “giant-killing” in the First Round? Could Kalonji Pro-Profile pull off the unthinkable against Chattanooga? Let us know your predictions in the comments or join the conversation on social media with #USOC2026!
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.