Houston Dynamo Fans Get Clarity as 2026 U.S. Open Cup Format and Field Are Set

The format, schedule, and full slate of participating clubs for the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup are now official. The announcement brings long-awaited clarity for Houston Dynamo supporters eager to see how the team will navigate the country’s oldest soccer tournament. As the competition approaches its 112th edition in 2026, the event continues to remain a fixture of American soccer, even as the landscape around it evolves.

What the 2026 Format Looks Like

The updated structure outlines how teams from every level of the U.S. soccer pyramid will enter and compete. Organizers confirmed that professional, semi-pro, and amateur clubs will once again share the field, keeping the tournament’s trademark "open" identity intact. While MLS involvement has shifted in recent years, clubs like the Houston Dynamo, representing one of the nation’s most competitive soccer regions, are still preparing for the challenge.

The finalized 2026 calendar includes multiple early qualifying rounds followed by national-stage matchups. These rounds will run through the spring and early summer, culminating with the championship match later in the year. Because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted partly in U.S. cities including nearby venues within reach of Houston, organizers emphasized scheduling adjustments to avoid conflicts.

Why It Matters for the Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo have a rich history in the tournament, including multiple deep runs and a championship in 2018. As MLS teams refine roster-building strategies, the Open Cup remains a chance to provide younger players meaningful minutes while still chasing hardware.

For fans, it offers something different from league play: knockout intensity, lower-division upsets, and the possibility of hosting dramatic matches at home. The 2026 edition gains even more weight, as the Dynamo continue building a roster built for consistent success in both MLS and cup competitions.

What’s Next

Key dates for the Dynamo will be confirmed as the competition draws closer, including their official entry round. Supporters can expect more details during the first half of 2025, when U.S. Soccer will release the full match schedule.

As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: With the structure now set, the Dynamo and their fans can begin planning for another chase at a national trophy.

This article is a summary of reporting by Minnesota United FC. Read the full story here.