U.S. Soccer’s Open Cup Committee approved the schedule, format and a contingency plan for the 2021 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the organization announced today.
U.S. Soccer’s National Championship returns to the field for its 107th edition after not crowning an annual champion in 2020 for the first time in its storied history, which dates back to the inaugural 1913-14 competition.
2021 COMPETITION FORMAT
The 2021 Open Cup will kick off May 4 and 5, and only be five rounds – instead of its usual eight – due to COVID-19 implications and a congested schedule later in the year. The five rounds will also take place across a much shorter timeframe of just two months, with the Open Cup Final scheduled for June 29 or 30.
With only five rounds in the 2021 tournament, the number of teams able to compete is reduced to 24 from 101 eligible clubs.
2021 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP COMPETITION SCHEDULE
March 29 Date for confirming Opening Round
March 31 Opening Round matchups announced
April 19 Date for confirming Round of 16*
April 21 or 28 Round of 16/Quarterfinal Draw (held earlier if Opening Round is not played)
May 4-5 Opening Round (8 D-II [USLC], 4 D-III [NISA/USLL1], 4 Open Division clubs)
May 18-19 Round of 16 (8 D-I [MLS] teams vs. winners from Opening Round)
May 25-26 Quarterfinal Round
June 15-16 Semifinal Round
June 29 or 30 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final
For more information, view U.S. Soccer's press release.
