Twenty-Four UPSL Clubs Advanced in U.S. Open Cup
The teams secured spots in the third round of the 2027 U.S. Open Cup qualifying tournament.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Soccer
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Twenty-four clubs from the United Premier Soccer League have advanced to the third round of the 2027 U.S. Open Cup qualifying. This stage features a total field of 64 teams competing for entry into the tournament proper.
Why it matters
The tournament has seen massive participation, with a record 155 clubs entering the qualifying process. New rules recently granted automatic tournament bids to UPSL Spring title finalists to streamline the path for top league performers.
A total of 155 clubs entered the 2027 qualifying tournament, with 63 originating from the UPSL. Currently, 64 teams remain in contention as they head into the third round of play.
The players
United Premier Soccer League
This national developmental soccer league provided 63 of the 155 clubs entered in the 2027 qualifying tournament.
Laguna United
This club has successfully reached the third qualifying round of the U.S. Open Cup for five consecutive years.
Deportivo Rose City
They secured an automatic tournament bid by winning the UPSL Spring title with a 3-1 victory over Miami United.
Miami United
As a UPSL Spring title finalist, this club earned an automatic tournament bid under updated U.S. Soccer rules.
The details
Laguna United continued a strong run, reaching the third qualifying round for the fifth consecutive time. Winners of the upcoming third round will advance to the final qualifying round, where 32 teams will compete for the final 16 tournament spots.
Timeline
December 2024: Laguna United defeated San Diego Internacional 6-2.
November 2025: Laguna United defeated San Diego Internacional 4-2.
March 2026: Laguna United lost to Orange County SC.
October 31-November 1: Third round of Open Cup qualifying.
November 21-22: Final qualifying round matches.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of automatic bids for league finalists fundamentally alters the qualification landscape for the U.S. Open Cup. This shift prioritizes regular-season performance and simplifies the route to the tournament proper for top-tier amateur clubs.
Advancement to the third round brings teams one step closer to the final 16 spots in the tournament proper. Clubs that win their third-round matches on October 31 and November 1 will earn a place in the decisive final qualifying round scheduled for November.
The takeaway
The expanded qualifying field reflects a growing competitive environment within the United States amateur soccer ranks. Teams that secure success in these early rounds position themselves for potential high-profile matchups in the main tournament.
Further reading
For more on the national qualifying landscape, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inside World Football.
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