In the Round of 64, Atlanta United will compete in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The new format kicks off in July, lining up with MLS’s shift to a summer-to-spring schedule. All 27 MLS clubs enter at this stage. Rosters swell to 20 players, giving coaches room to mix first-team starters with academy prospects. If they win it all, they punch their ticket to the Concacaf Champions Cup.
A New Calendar for the Cup
The old Open Cup schedule didn’t match the new MLS calendar, so U.S. Soccer stepped in to fix the clash. The 112th edition now has a clear path for everyone involved. MLS clubs skip the early rounds where smaller teams battle for a spot and jump straight into the action in July when the main season is firing on all cylinders. This move shields players from an overload of games too early in the year.
U.S. Soccer locked in the Round of 64 dates for July 8 to July 11, 2027. That timing lets teams prep for the 2027-28 MLS regular season while the league transitions from a fall-to-spring model to a summer-to-spring one. The Open Cup dates now sync with that shift, ending the confusion of playing big matches in the dead of winter or right before the season tips off. The schedule gives MLS squads a fresh start in the cup run without the winter fog.
Big Rosters for Big Opportunities
The biggest change for fans shows up on the roster sheet. Game day rosters expand from 18 to 20 players for the 2027 tournament. That extra spot changes how coaches manage their squad depth. MLS clubs can now pull players from the first team, MLS NEXT Pro, and the academy. It’s a chance for young kids to test themselves against real men in a real tournament. The “one club, one entry” rule stays the same, but the player list gets longer.
This flexibility helps teams handle the load of multiple competitions without breaking. A coach can rest a star player and give minutes to a kid who needs to prove he belongs. The source notes that this helps younger players get competitive minutes in high-pressure spots. It also helps the club manage the stress of playing on multiple fronts. There is no limit on how many eligible players can be on the roster. This is a win for the academy and for the fans who want to see the next big star get a look.
The Road to the Champions Cup
Winning the Open Cup secures more than just a trophy; it grants the next step on the global stage. “The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup connects all leagues, clubs and fans in a unique way,” stated Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Sporting and Matchday. He also noted, “For MLS clubs, it’s a chance to write a special chapter in the tournament’s history and earn qualification to the Concacaf Champions Cup.”
The path is long and gets harder as the weeks go by. After the Round of 64, a live draw decides who plays whom. The Round of 32 is set for September 14-15, 2027. The Round of 16 dates are still to be confirmed. The Quarterfinals land on November 23-24, 2027. The Semifinals are on December 1, 2027. The Final is scheduled for December 15, 2027. These dates can change, but the plan is set.
MLS teams have dominated this cup for a long time. An MLS side has won every edition of the tournament since 2000. Atlanta United knows what it takes to win. The club has been part of the Open Cup since the league started in 1996. The goal is to add another title to the shelf and get into the Concacaf Champions Cup. That is the real prize for the fans.
The new format gives Atlanta United a clear shot at glory. The team will host their opening match if they are the MLS club. This is a huge advantage for the fans in the stands. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be loud when the Round of 64 games start in July. The team does not have to worry about playing away games in the first round against lower-division teams.
The shift to a summer start means the team can use the cup to build momentum. It is a perfect time to test the young players from the academy. The 2027 season will be different, and this cup run is part of that change. The club can mix its roster without fear of running out of bodies. The extra roster spots are the key to a deep run. It allows the coach to keep the team fresh while chasing the title.
Fans should expect a different kind of game in July. Success depends on the starting eleven and the depth of the squad. The Open Cup is where the next generation of Atlanta players gets their start. The club has a chance to make history again. The path is clear, and the dates are set. The work starts now to prepare for the Round of 64.
