64 teams one step away from “Win & You’re In”

Open Division qualifying rolls on this weekend with 13 games on Saturday, Nov. 1 and the remaining 19 contests set for Sunday, Nov. 2. The prize for the 32 winners is a spot in the Fourth and final round of qualifying on the weekend of Nov. 22-23, what has become known as “Win and You’re In” games.

Seven teams will make their 2026 qualifying debut. Five clubs drew double byes through the first two rounds: Ballard FC (USL League Two), Brockton FC United (UPSL), City Soccer FC (UPSL), Laguna United FC (UPSL), UDA Soccer (UPSL), and two more who had a First Round bye and advanced via forfeit in the Second Round, Omaha Street FC (UPSL) and Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLFC).

Already waiting in the 2026 US Open Cup field are 2025 National Amateur Cup winners West Chester United SC, UPSL Spring champions Tennessee Tempo FC and 2025 John Motta Trophy Winner (aka: 2025 Open Division prize money winner) El Farolito SC.

Follow live updates from every game this weekend on X (Twitter) and Blue Sky – @USOpenCup.

Find the full weekend schedule with a brief profile bio of each team below:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Akron City FC (USL League Two)
vs. 
Croatia Cleveland (North Coast Soccer League/USASA)
Green Street Stadium at St. Vincent-St. Mary H.S. – Akron, OH
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET 

In a battle to determine the Open Division King of Ohio, Akron City SC hosts Croatia Cleveland in the Third Round. The cities of Akron and Cleveland shared a rivalry in the Open Cup in the 1920s and 30s, with teams such as Goodyear, Firestone, and Clan MacKenzie representing Akron against the likes of Greyhounds FC, Magyar American SC and Shamrocks FC from Cleveland.

After three years in the NPSL, Akron City moved to USL League Two, where they failed to qualify for the 2026 Open Cup through their league performance, finishing 5-2-5 in the Great Forest Division.

Croatia Cleveland got its start in 1957 and was a regular participant in the Open Cup from the 1960s to the 1990s and over the years have competed under the names American Croatian and Croatian Rebels. Croatia’s most successful Open Cup run came in 1975 when they reached the national semifinals. Croatia Cleveland are the 2024 North Coast Soccer League Champions.

In the Second Round, Akron topped their old rivals from the NPSL, Cleveland SC, 2-0. Jannis Schmidt and Cole Werthmuller provided the scoring for Akrom, with Schmidt making up for missing a penalty kick earlier in the game.

Croatia prevailed 5-2 over the UPSL’s Detroit Metro FC with Adam Wade scoring the first two goals in the opening half, and Cleveland Open Cup veteran Michael Derezic (AFC Cleveland 2017-18, Cleveland SC 2022-23) netted two goals in the final minute, with Amir Serikbaev converting a PK in the middle.

Ballard FC (USL League Two)
vs. 
Sharktopus FC (SRATS/USASA)
Interbay Stadium – Seattle, WA
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET 

Just a week ago, Ballard FC thought they were hosting Bellevue Athletic in their Third Round match. But Bellevue Athletic’s Second Round win was ordered to be replayed and now Seattle’s Shaktopus FC steps in.

Ballard FC are looking to qualify for the US Open Cup for the third year in a row. Now that USL League Two teams are allowed to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament, they are getting another shot at qualifying after falling short in USL League Two. Ballard finished just outside of the cutoff for the nine USL League Two clubs that gained an automatic spot in next year’s tournament. The Seattle club finished 9-2-3 in USL League Two Northwest Division and reached the USL League Two championship, losing to Vermont Green 2-1.

Sharktopus are back for a third straight qualifying appearance, losing their opening game last year in a 5-4 extra time shootout with Deportivo Rose City of the UPSL. Sharktopus finished 7-3-1 in the SRATS Summer season, 6-2-1 in the Spring campaign, finishing first both times

After receiving a double bye through the first two rounds, Ballard finally joins the competition in the Round 3.

Initially it was Bellevue Athletic who advanced to the Third Round with a 4-3 extra time win over Sharktopus FC on Oct. 12. However, a protest was filed when it was discovered the match referee had previously played for Bellevue’s reserve team recently. A replay was ordered and Sharktopus took full advantage with a rain-soaked 5-0 win. Kwame Appiah and Gabe Kellum both scored twice.

Brockton FC United (UPSL)
vs.
CD Faialense (Bay State Soccer League/USASA)
Roberts Playground – Boston, MA
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET 

It’s Portugal vs. Cape Verde as Brockton FC United of the UPSL faces CD Faialense in the Third Round of qualifying for the 2026 US Open Cup. The Cape Verdean-based Brockton FC United will no doubt try to take inspiration from the Cape Verde national team, who recently earned a spot in the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. Portuguese CD Faialense are trying to reach the Open Cup for a second straight year.

After sitting out qualifying in 2025, Two-time Open Cup qualifiers Brockton FC United are back. Brockton has participated in qualifying four previous times and has reached the final round each time, qualifying in 2022 & 2024. Brockton finished 9-1-0 in the Spring season of the UPSL New England North division and finished 3-2-5 in the Fall session. Brockton at one time fielded a team in the BSSL before joining the UPSL.

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Brockton FC United

2025 qualifiers CD Faialense are back to make it two in a row and are participating in their third straight qualifying tournament. Faialense are 10-4-2 in the ongoing Bay State Soccer League Division 1 season and lost 2-1 in the 2025 BSSL McKenzie Cup Semifinals to fellow Open Cup qualifying participants Atletico Boston. Faialense finished on top of the BSSL in 2023 and 2024.

US Soccer: Clube Desportivo Faialense: Back to the Future for Cambridge, MA-Based Cinderellas in Waiting

Martin Vician scored a hat trick for CD Faialense in their opening qualifying game, a 5-0 win over Project Football of the APSL. Graham Brenner and Jonathan Klein also contributed goals in the win. Brockton was one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds.

Briar United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Grove United (NPSL)
Pleasant Park – Apex, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

Briar United faces off with their second NPSL opponent in this year’s qualifying campaign, hosting Grove United in the Third Round.

Briar United FC are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished 1-7-2 in the UPSL Mid-Atlantic North Division Spring season and are 2-3-2 in the Fall season.

Grove United are making their first attempt at Open Cup qualifying and finished 5-3-2 in the NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference. Grove United played to a 1-1 draw with Alexandria on June 8 in NPSL play.

Briar United FC advanced to the Third Round with a 2-1 win over the NPSL’s Greenville United. Trailing 1-0 for the first 70 minutes, a pair of goals from Wuilmer Garcia in the space of three minutes gave Briar the lead and eventually the win.

In their Second Round game, Grove United scored twice in the opening 14 minutes for a 2-0 lead, only to see the Alexandria Reds (UPSL) pull even in the second half. Demetrius Howe put Grove up 3-2 in the 68th minute and Leighton Langenhoven’s second goal of the game sealed the win in the 82nd minute.

Harbor City FC
vs.
Bold City SC
Palm Bay H.S. – Melbourne, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

2025 qualifier Harbor City welcomes UPSL rivals Bold City from Jacksonville in the Third Round. Harbor City defeated Bold City 4-1 on October 25 in the UPSL Fall season.

Harbor City FC are making their third appearance in qualifying and are going for their second straight Open Cup berth after qualifying last year via penalties over FC America CFL Spurs.

Harbor City finished 7-1-2 in the UPSL Florida Central Zone 2 division Spring season and are currently 5-1-1 in the Fall season.

Bold City SC are attempting Open Cup qualifying for the first time. The name Bold City comes from one of Jacksonville’s nicknames, The Bold New City of the South. Bold City finished 6-4-0 in the UPSL Florida – Central Zone 1 division, and are currently 5-2-0 in the Fall season.

In their opening game Harbor City defeated FC Kanks (UPSL) 3-0, scoring all three goals in the opening half. Aden O’Hara scored twice and assisted on John Oshakpemhe’s goal.

Bold City needed just one goal to overcome the UPSL’s Stetson FA 1-0. Anderlove Merjuste headed in a corner kick in the 67th minute.

MSI Pro (UPSL)
vs.
Christos FC (APSL/USASA)
Maryland Soccer Plex – Boyds, MD
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

MSI are back at it after their debut effort in 2025 took them to the Third Round of qualifying. MSI finished 7-2-1 in the UPSL DMV North Spring season, and finished 6-2-1 in the Fall season. 

Christos have qualified for the Open Cup four times, though the 2020 effort was nullified by a canceled tournament. In their Open Cup debut in 2017, they reached the Fourth Round where they took a 1-0 lead over D.C. United, gaining national attention from several major sports media outlets. Christos finished 7-5-2 in the 2024/25 APSL Mid-Atlantic Conference season, and are currently 2-0-2 in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.

In the First Round, MSI defeated Yinz United 2-1. Yousef Barry’s first half tally and a Yinz own goal propelled MSI to the second round. MSI had another close game in the Second Round, defeating Arlington SA Pro 1-0. Daniel Gebura scored the lone goal in the 35th minute from an Aleksander Wroblewski free kick from 35 yards out.

Christos got their current qualifying run off to a fantastic start, overwhelming Patuxent FA of the APSL 8-0. Christos jumped out to a 4-0 by halftime, with Jacob Bender notching two goals and an assist, and Brian Graham scored three straight goals in the second half. Elijah Belcher, Daniel Baxter and Edixon Moreira rounded out the scoring.

In the Second Round, Christos had a tougher test, needing extra time to see off Baltimore City 5-2. Daniel Baxter and Cesar Ramos scored for Christos in regulation, then in extra time Baxter added a second along with Kyle Saunderson and Brandon Burkholder.

New York Renegades FC (UPSL)
vs. 
Lansdowne Yonkers FC (APSL/USASA)
SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex – Central Islip, NY
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET 

2024 National Amateur Cup champions Lansdowne Yonkers FC will try to gain some revenge after missing out on the 2025 US Open Cup. In their way are the UPSL’s NY Renegades FC, who are aiming for their second consecutive Open Cup. In 2025 it was the Renegades who denied Lansdowne a spot in the Cup after eliminating them via penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final round.

The New York Renegades are looking to return to the Open Cup after qualifying in 2025. In their qualifying debut in 2024 they were stopped by the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the next to last round, The Renegades finished the UPSL Northeast American spring season with a 9-0-1 mark.

Lansdowne Yonkers are making their ninth qualifying appearance and have reached the Open Cup proper four times, three through Open Division qualifying (2016, 2018, 2024) and again in 2022 as National Amateur Cup champions. They’re looking to return to the Open Cup after a two-year absence. Lansdowne finished 13-1-8 in the 2024/25 APSL Metropolitan Conference, finishing 3rd behind NY Pancyprian Freedoms (1st) and NY Greek Americans (2nd).

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Yonkers

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Lansdowne Bhoys

The Renegades got their 2026 qualifying run started by beating four-time US Open Cup champions New York Greek-Americans 3-2 in the middle of a nor’easter. The UPSL club jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening five minutes through goals from Ojai Bedward 

Sebastian Ruiz. Junior Rosero made it 3-1 in the second half before NYGA pulled one back to make it interesting.

Lansdowne Yonkers kicked off their qualifying campaign with one of the more controversial wins of this year’s qualifying, a 2-1 triumph over fellow APSL side Doxa FCW. Ali Dawha scored for Lansdowne in the 4th minute, immediately triggering an angry response from the Doxa players and staff. It turned out Dawha’s shot had actually gone through a hole in the side of the net. The protest led to the expulsion of Doxa head coach Paul Grafas. Jared Juleao added to the Lansdowne lead in the 25th minute, and Doxa was only able to score once just before halftime. A protest from Doxa was denied by U.S. Soccer.

Palm Beach Flames SC (UPSL)
vs. 
City Soccer FC (UPSL)
Dr. Joaquín Garcia H.S. – Willington, FL
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. ET 

The UPSL’s Palm Beach Flames continue their quest for their first Open Cup berth as they host league rivals City Soccer FC, a club who has already made the cut once in their history. Sharing the same division in the UPSL these clubs are very familiar with one another. City Soccer defeated Palm Beach 5-3 on May 17 during the Spring UPSL season and more recently topped the Flames 2-1 on October 18 in Fall season play.

City Soccer FC qualified for the 2022 Open Cup and reached the Final Round in 2024 before falling to qualifiers Miami United, 3-2. 2025 was the lone year out of four qualifying runs that City failed to move past their opening game. City finished 6-4-3 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and hold a 3-2-0 mark in the Fall.

The Flames return to qualifying after making their debut last year, where they were eliminated by eventual qualifiers Harbor City FC 5-1. Palm Beach finished 3-8-2 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and are currently 1-2-1 in the Fall session.

In their opening qualifying game Palm Beach cruised past Hurricane FC of the USSL, 6-1. Five different players (Olivier Kenol, Romero Campbell, Nicholas Castellanos, Kobe Harris and Malte Schmale) scored for the Flames following an own goal from the Hurricanes. 

City Soccer were one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds.

Dallas Atletico (DSA/USASA)
vs.
Denton Diablos (MPPL/USSSA)
Bishop Lynch H.S. – Dallas, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET

Fresh off a rollercoaster 5-4 win over Tulsa Athletic, the Denton Diablos continue their quest for a spot in the Open Cup after being denied by the 2020 cancellation. Qualifying debutant Dallas Atletico will host the Diablos, led by Oscar Ocampo who has scored four of their six goals in their two qualifying games.

The former NPSL club qualified for the canceled 2020 Open Cup through the NPSL, where they played from 2019-2024. In 2025, the Diablos moved to USL League Two where they posted a 7-4-1 record in the Mid-South Division. Denton are entering qualifying through the Metroplex Premier League where their Under-23 team, Denton Diablos Estudiantes, plays.

Dallas Atletico are making their Open Division qualifying debut, not to be confused with Atlético Dallas, an expansion club set to begin in the USL Championship in 2027.

Denton opened their 2026 qualifying campaign with a 6-2 victory over Sporting NTX of the UPSL. Newcomer Jay Lee led the way with a pair of goals.

Denton were involved in one of the wildest games of qualifying in the Second Round, defeating Tulsa Athletic 5-4 after extra time. Denton held a 2-0 lead for 76 minutes when Tulsa scored twice in three minutes to tie the game. Two minutes after Denton regained the lead, but Tulsa drew level deep into stoppage time. Tulsa took a 4-3 lead just after extra time started, but Matt Albury scored the final two goals of his hat trick to put Denton in front for good at 5-4.

Atletico pulled off one of the surprise results in the opening round of qualifying, knocking off two-time Open Cup qualifiers FORO SC 3-1. Oscar Ocampo scored two goals for Atletico and assisted on the other. In the Second Round, it was Oscar Ocampo once again leading the way, scoring twice and assisting on Jason Miranda’s goal in a 3-1 win over StrikerZ DFW Soccer Club of the Dallas-based Metroplex Soccer League.

Next Level Soccer (UPSL)
vs.
UDA Soccer (UPSL)
Higley High School – Gilbert, AZ
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET

2023 qualifier UDA Soccer travels to Arizona seeking revenge on Next Level Soccer, the club who eliminated them in last year’s qualifying tournament 2-1.

After making their debut last year, Next Level are back for another shot at qualifying. Next Level finished 5-3-2 in the UPSL Arizona division and went on to reach the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Next Level are currently 6-0-1 in the Fall UPSL season.

UDA are playing in their fourth consecutive qualifying tournament, having made the cut in 2023 and reaching the final round in 2024. UDA did not play in the UPSL Spring seasons but are 1-1-2 in the Fall campaign. UDA (University Degrees Abroad) is a club team affiliated with New Mexico State University that allows players to study at the school while playing with the club.

2023 Meet the Underdogs: UDA Soccer

Next Level advanced by defeating UPSL rival Olympians FC 3-1, with Danny Baca leading the way with a pair of goals. UDA Soccer were one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds.

Irvine FC (UPSL)
vs. 
Laguna United FC (UPSL)
Lake Forest Sports Park – Lake Forest, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET 

2025 qualifiers Laguna United FC kick off their 2026 qualifying run after receiving a double bye. Waiting for them is fellow UPSL foe Irvine FC, a club Laguna defeated 3-1 in the same round last year on their way to earning an Open Cup spot.

Laguna United have participated in Open Cup qualifying three previous times, with last year being the most successful. In 2025 Laguna reached the final round, where they defeated San Diego Internacional 6-2 to earn a spot in the 2025 Open Cup. Laguna United finished 9-1-2 in the UPSL SoCal North Division Spring season and are currently 6-2-0 in the Fall session.

Irvine FC are taking part in Open Cup qualifying for a fourth year in a row. Last year they won their first qualifying game, 4-0 over Playmaker FC of the Southwest Premier League. Irvine finished 3-5-2 in the UPSL SoCal South Division Spring season and are currently 2-5-1 in the Fall season.

Laguna United was one of five teams to draw a double bye through the first two rounds. In their opening game Irvine had to work extra, eventually needing a penalty shootout after they played a 3-3 extra time draw with Apple Valley Storm of the UPSL. Irvine took a 2-0 lead, but Apple Valley drew level by halftime. AVS had a 3-2 lead late in the game, but Koosha Yar saved Irvine with a goal deep into stoppage time. After a scoreless extra time, Irvine prevailed in the penalty shootout 4-3.

Valley 559 FC (UPSL)
vs. 
FC Folsom (UPSL)
Keith Tice Park – Fresno, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET 

A pair of clubs with past qualifying history square off for a spot in the final round as FC Folsom travels south to meet Fresno’s Valley 559 FC. In qualifying for the 2023 Open Cup, Folsom stopped Valley at this very same stage 5-3 on their way to their only Open Cup qualification.

Valley 559 FC returns to qualifying after falling at the final hurdle last year. In their first appearance in 2024 they reached the Third Round where they lost 5-3 to eventual 2024 qualifiers FC Folsom. Last year they reached the final round, losing to Inter San Francisco in a 5-4 extra time barnburner. Valley finished 6-2-2 in the UPSL NorCal South Division Spring season and reached the UPSL Spring season Round of 16. Valley are currently 3-2-0 in the UPSL Fall Season. Valley 559 have been one of the more consistent teams in the UPSL, finishing either first or second in the NoCal South Division every Spring and Fall season since starting in 2023.

2024 qualifiers FC Folsom make their third qualifying appearance and are seeking to redeem themselves after being eliminated last year after just one game. Folsom finished 4-3-3 in the UPSL NorCal North Division Spring season. Folsom reached the 2024 UPSL Fall Championship game and are currently 7-0-1 in the 2025 Fall Season.

Valley had to stage a comeback to win their opening qualifying game over Real San Jose. After RSJ took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute, Jose Luis Cuevas and Quincy Amarikwa scored on either side of halftime for the 2-1 win. Amarikwa is a 10-year veteran of MLS, spread out over six different clubs.

Folsom had to get past another Valley team, The League for Clubs’s Napa Valley 1839, to advance. After spotting Napa a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute, Folsom scored three unanswered goals to defeat their former UPSL league mates 3-1.

San Diego Internacional (UPSL)
vs.
City SC San Diego (UPSL)
Mission Bay High School – San Diego, CA
Kickoff: 11 p.m. ET

It’s the Battle for San Diego between two clubs who are very familiar with one another. For starters, City were knocked out of Open Cup qualifying last year by Internacional 2-1 in the Second Round. Then, during the 2025 UPSL Spring season the teams met three times. On April 27, Internacional prevailed 3-2, then City won 2-0 on June 14. The teams met again in the SoCal South playoff final, where City advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw. During the Fall UPSL season, City won 3-0 on Oct. 11 and are scheduled to play once more on Nov. 9.

UPSL Spring SoCal South Championship Match – SD Internacional vs City SC

San Diego Internacional nearly made the 2025 Open Cup last year in their debut, losing 6-2 in the Final Round to Laguna United. SDI finished 7-3-0 in the UPSL SoCal South Division and are 6-1-1 in the Fall season.

City SC San Diego returns for their second attempt at Open Cup qualifying after going one-and-done in their debut last year. City finished 5-4-1 in the UPSL SoCal South Division, and are currently 9-0-0 in the Fall season.

Both clubs had an easy time in their opening matches. Internacional rolled over fellow UPSL club FC Balboa 7-1, with Taj Winnard scoring twice and five other players filling the scoresheet.

City dismantled UPSL SoCal South rivals Rebels SC 9-0. German Sierra and Diego Martinez led the way with three and two goals respectively.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Harpos FC (CPL/USSSA)
vs. 
Azteca FC (CPL/USSSA)
Broomfield Commons – Broomfield, CO
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET 

If there was a dictionary entry for “open cup qualifying rivalry”, Harpo’s vs. Azteca would be front and center. The Colorado Premier League rivals have met five times in Open Cup qualifying, four of which were in the final ‘Win and You’re In” round. Harpos holds the advantage at 4-1, though Azteca broke through last year to qualify for the 2025 Open Cup. More recently, Azteca defeated Harpos on June 11 to win their fifth consecutive CPL Spring championship. Harpos gained some revenge by defeating Azteca 6-4 on Aug. 24 to open the CPL Fall season. 

This is the tenth qualifying appearance for Harpos, having entered qualifying every year since 2016. They’ve compiled a record of 13-5-2 over that time, reaching the final round six times and qualifying three times. Last year Harpos finally made it back to the Open Cup after their only other appearance in 2016. They also qualified for the canceled tournament in 2020.

Harpos finished 7-1-0 in the Colorado Premier League Spring season and are 6-0-1 in the ongoing Fall session.

2015 Meet the Underdogs: Harpo’s FC

2016 Meet the Underdogs: Harpo’s FC

Azteca are one of the grizzled veterans of Open Division qualifying, having entered every qualifying tournament except 2016 and 2019. Azteca qualified for the Open Cup in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024, and reached the final round of qualifying in 2020, 2023 and 2025. Azteca finished 7-0-1 in Colorado Premier League Spring season and are currently 5-2-1 in the Fall.

2017 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

2022 Meet the Underdogs: Azteca FC

Steel City FC (USL League Two)
vs.
Capital City Islanders (UPSL)
Rooney Field (Duquesne Univ.) – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

Trying to make the most of their “second chance” after missing out on one of the USL League Two berths, Steel City FC plays host to the Capital City Islanders (no relation to the defunct Open Cup giant killers Harrisburg City Islanders)

2024 Open Cup qualifiers Steel City FC are taking their first shot at Open Division qualifying after missing the cut for one of the nine automatic berths for USL League Two. Steel City finished 8-1-3 in the USL League Two Great Forest Division. Steel City played its first five seasons in the NPSL before switching to USL League Two in 2025. Their first three seasons they played under the name Pittsburgh Hotspur.

Capital City Islanders are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying and finished 8-2-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Northeast American (South), the second tier of the UPSL. The Islanders moved up to the UPSL Premier Northeast American South for the Fall season, where they are currently 6-2-2. The Islanders play at the Skyline Sports Complex, once home to the defunct Harrisburg City Islanders, a club that had a rich Open Cup history with five upsets of MLS teams on its resume.

Steel City slipped by FCY New York 3-2 in the Second Round. A pair of penalty kicks from Cameron Territo helped them get past the UPSL side. Capital City didn’t have as close a game in their 5-2 win over MoCo 1776 FC. Clovis Kabre and Drew Morris each had a pair of goals.

Potros FC (UPSL)
vs. 
Atletico Buford FC (UPSL)
Marietta High School – Marietta, GA
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET 

A pair of debuting Georgia UPSL clubs face off to see who will move one step closer to a first Open Cup berth. Buford are looking to add to a successful 2025, in which they finished 8-1-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Spring season to move up to the UPSL Premier League, where they are currently in first place. Portos are also having a fine 2025, finishing 9-1-3 in the UPSL Spring season and are 5-0-0 in Fall play. 

Portos won 2-0 over North Georgia United to start their qualifying run. Marc Bineau and Steven Raymont scored in the second half. Carlos Chavarria scored in both halves to pace Atletico Buford to their own 2-0 win over Majestic SC.

The Olympic Club (SFSFL/USASA)
vs. 
Ariana FC (UPSL)
San Francisco Glens Stadium – San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. ET 

The Olympic Club, one of the oldest clubs in this year’s qualifying field host their second “lower division” club in this year’s qualifying when they face a team from the UPSL’s second tier, Ariana FC. Olympic previously faced Norcal Shockwaves of the San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) third tier.

The Olympic Club was founded in 1860 and the soccer team joined the SFSFL in 1916. According to TheCup.us records, Olympic made their Open Cup debut in the 1956 tournament. Olympic won the 2025 SFSFL Premier Division with a 16-3-3 record. This is their 3rd qualifying attempt (2024, 2020), and they qualified for the canceled 2020 tournament.

Ariana is making their first ever attempt at qualifying. Ariana finished 6-3-1 in UPSL Division 1 NorCal South, the second tier of the UPSL, and are currently 1-3-4 in the Fall season. The club was formerly a member of the Bay Area Adult Soccer League based in Berkeley, Calif. The name Ariana derives from the Greek origin name Ariadne meaning “most holy” or “very pure”.

In the First Round, Olympic Club pushed past Norcal Shockwaves of the SFSFL 3rd tier 4-2. Alexander Weekes, Arda Bulut and Kevin Lopes scored to give Olympic a 3-0 lead, but the Shockwaves managed to make it 3-2 before Bulut scored his second goal from the penalty spot. In the Second Round, Olympic just needed a single goal from Bulut to get past Albion SC Silicon Valley of the UPSL 1-0.

Ariana advanced to the Third Round with a 2-1 extra time win over Bay Area United FC of the UPSL. Shahzad Hazem gave Ariana a 1-0 halftime lead, and Mohammad Haseen scored the winner in extra time

Chicago House AC (MWPL/USASA)
vs.
Edgewater Castle FC (MWPL/USASA)
Benedictine University – Lisle, IL
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET

For the third year in a row Chicago House AC and Edgewater Castle FC face off in Open Cup qualifying, with Edgewater seeking to break the two-loss run to House. In 2023 House stopped Edgewater 3-1 in the Third Round on their way to their second Open Cup appearance. Last year Edgewater pushed House to extra time before falling 3-2 in the First Round of qualifying.

Chicago House have reached the final round of qualifying in their previous three attempts, making the cut in 2023 and 2024, and falling via penalties to Tulsa Athletic last year. Chicago House is co-owned by Peter Wilt, who has helped start other clubs such as Chicago Fire FC, Chicago Red Stars, Indy Eleven, Forward Madison and Green Bay Voyageurs FC. House was a founding member of NISA but only played one season after a falling out with the league, prompting a move to the Midwest Premier League. House finished 8-2-2 in the Midwest Premier League Heartland Division 1.

This is the third time Edgewater has entered qualifying for the Open Cup. Edgewater finished first in the MWPL Hartland Division 2, winning promotion to Division 1 for 2026.

Edgewater opened their 2026 qualifying run with a 2-1 win over the UPSL’s Black Cat FC. Mounir Alami opened the scoring for Edgewater in the opening half, and Milos Vucic scored the winner with a 70th minute free kick. Edgewater used another 2-1 win to advance to the Third Round, this time beating United SC of the UPSL. Qudus Lawal scored both goals, one in each half.

Chicago House got by the UPSL’s Wisloka Chicago 2-0 to enter the Third Round. Nico Williams’ two goals in the first seven minutes were all House needed.

Miami United FC (UPSL)
vs.
Florida FC (UPSL)
Central Broward Park – Lauderhill, FL
Kickoff – 7 p.m. ET

Miami United continues its quest to qualify for a fourth straight Open Cup, as they play host to one of the qualifying newcomers, Florida Futbol Club. United defeated FFC 2-1 on Oct. 5 in the UPSL Fall season and are set to face off again on Nov. 15. United also got the better of Florida Futbol Club during the Spring UPSL season, winning 4-0 on May 31.

Miami United are one of the more successful clubs in the current qualifying tournament, having made the cut the last three years (2023, 2024, 2025), as well as the canceled 2020 tournament. MUFC have also made Open Cup appearances in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 through the NPSL. Miami United finished 10-2-1 in the UPSL Florida South division and reached the UPSL Quarterfinals losing 1-0 to eventual champions Tennessee Tempo. United are currently 7-0-0 in the Fall UPSL season.

Florida Futbol Club are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying. FFC finished 7-4-2 in the UPSL Florida South division Spring season and are currently 3-2-1 in the Fall season.

Miami United started their 2026 qualifying run with a 3-0 win over Boca Jrs. Miami. Robertino Insua scored twice, and Luis Peralta added the third goal.

Florida Futbol Club also started with a 3-0 win over Parkland Travel Soccer Club of the UPSL. Juan Hurtado opened the scoring and Óscar Rivas netted the final two goals, all three coming in the final 13 minutes.

Oaklyn United FC (APSL/USASA)
vs. 
Vereinigung Erzgebirge Majors (USL of PA/USASA)
Rowan University Soccer Stadium – Glassboro, NJ
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET 

Vereinigung Erzgebirge resume their quest for Open Cup berth #3 as they visit Oaklyn United, who are not only seeking their first Open Cup berth, but their first trip to the final round of qualifying.

Oaklyn United are back for their second attempt at qualifying after their 2025 effort ended after one game. Oaklyn finished 10-6-2 in 2024/25 APSL Delaware River Conference and are currently 2-4-0 in the early 2025-26 season.

VE has entered every edition of qualifying since it was revamped. VE qualified once in 2002 and again in 2024. Last year they reached the final round of qualifying, where they lost to West Chester United 2-1. VE are one of the older clubs in the qualifying field, playing their first game in 1934. VE finished 9-3-0 in the USL of Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 season and are 3-0-0 in the young 2025-26 season.

VE started 2026 qualifying with a 2-1 win over Vidas United of the APSL. Former pro Antoine Hoppenot and Derek Antonini scored VE’s goals in the opening 29 minutes, and goalkeeper Steve Paul saved a Vidas penalty in the second half. VE followed up in the Second Round with a 2-1 win of USL of PA rivals Colonial SC. Justin Ruth and Antonini scored VE’s goals.

A first half goal from Jason Mancuso and a second half penalty kick by Austin Johnson was all Oaklyn needed to see off Scots-American Athletic Club 2-0 in the Second Round.

Atletico Boston (BSSL/USASA)
vs. 
FC Lonestar Gpse (UPSL)
Moakley Stadium – Boston, MA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

Formerly known as Southie FC and Boston United, Atletico won promotion from the Bay State Soccer League 3rd tier up to the top league in 2022 and 2023. Renamed Atletico Boston, the club won the Massachusetts State Cup and the Massachusetts Soccer Champions Cup in 2024. As Southie FC they entered Open Division qualifying four times from 2016-2019, qualifying once in 2016. Atletico are currently 10-6-0 in the ongoing BSSL Division 1 season and won the 2025 BSSL McKenzie Cup championship. 

Protagonist Soccer: Under the Lights-Atletico Boston

FC Lonestar GPSE are making their debut appearance in Open Cup qualifying. GPSE stands for Global Pro Soccer Exposure. FC Lonestar finished 7-1-2 in UPSL Division 1 New England North and moved up to the UPSL Premier New England North for the Fall season where they finished 2-6-2.

Atletico comfortably defeated the Western Mass Pioneers of USL League Two 4-1 in the Second Round. Egberto DaSilva Jr., Brendan Clare and Sam White scored for Boston along with an own goal from the Pioneers.

Lonestar got by FC Omens 2-1 in an extra time affair in their Second Round match. Joshua Fichers’ first half goal equalized for Lonestar after an early Omens goal, and Stavros Campbell scored the eventual winner in extra time.

Badgers FC (UPSL)
vs. 
O’Shea’s FC (USSL/USSSA)
Monsignor Pace H.S. – Miami Gardens, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

The Badgers are making their Open Cup qualifying debut and finished 10-0-1 in the UPSL Division 1 Florida South Zone 3 division. They have moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season where they are currently 6-0-0.

O’Shea’s FC are participating in their fourth straight Open Cup qualifying tournament. In 2024 and 2025, they won their opening game before being eliminated in the following round. O’Shea’s finished in 6-3-1 USSL South Florida spring season.

Badgers FC won their first ever qualifying game in dramatic fashion, beating Fort Myers City FC  1-0 on a 90th minute stoppage time goal from Dave Junior Altidor.

Down 1-0 at the half, Nick Sowers and Evan Finnegan (PK) scored in the second half to give O’Shea’s FC a 2-1 win over the NPSL’s FC Florida.

Bulldogs SC (UPSL)
vs. 
SC Vistula Garfield (APSL/USASA)
Capelli Sports Complex – Tinton Falls, NJ
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

Two New Jersey clubs who have had disappointing seasons in 2025 battle for a bright spot in this year’s campaign. Bulldogs SC, who have won just two games out of 20 in the UPSL Spring and Fall seasons, host SC Vistula Garfield, who finished in the lower half of the APSL Metropolitan Conference.

The Bulldogs are taking their first crack at Open Cup qualifying this year. Bulldogs SC finished 1-6-3 in the UPSL Northeast American South Division Spring season and finished 1-6-3 in the Fall.

SC Vistula Garfield are making their fifth qualifying appearance in a row, and came closest to qualifying in 2022, when they were beaten by Lansdowne Yonkers 2-0 in the final round. Founded in 1952, Vistula have entered the Open Cup off and on since the early 1970s. Vistula finished 5-11-6 in the 2024/25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season\, and are just 1-4-0 in the early 2025-26 season.

Bulldogs SC earned a hard fought 3-1 extra time win over FC Monmouth in the Second Round. After a 1-1 draw in the first 90 minutes, Bulldogs scored twice in extra time. Ryan Kuster scored in the opening half and George Olynyk and Oluwaferanmi Omidiran put the Bulldogs in front in extra time.

Vistula kicked off their 2026 qualifying run with a 2-1 win over Ironbound SCP. Paul Kondratowicz opened the scoring in the first half and Kevin Valdivia scored the eventual winner in the 60th minute.

Emerald FC Orlando (UPSL)
vs. 
FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
SoFive Winter Park – Orlando, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

FC America CFL Spurs hosts a new division rival in Emerald FC Orlando in the Third Round. Emerald FC had moved up to the UPSL Premier from Division  1 after a successful spring season and find themselves in the same division as FC America CFL Spurs for the Fall season. FC America defeated Emerald 2-1 on September 27.

Emerald FC make their first entry into Open Cup qualifying this year. Emerald finished 11-0-0 in UPSL Division 1 Florida – Central Zone 1, the second tier of the UPSL, and have moved up to the UPSL Premier for the Fall season, where they are 3-4-0 thus far.

2024 Open Cup qualifiers FC America CFL Spurs are making their third straight qualifying appearance. Aside from qualifying in 2024, FC America nearly made it two in a row, falling in the final round of qualifying last year to Harbor City FC on penalties after a 0-0 draw. FC America finished 6-3-1 in the UPSL Florida – Central Zone 2 division and reached the UPSL Round of 32, and are currently 6-3-1 in the Fall season.

Emerald FC won their qualifying debut in dramatic fashion, knocking off Deportivo Lake Mary 1-0 with a goal by in Tajee Argentine second half stoppage time.

FC America needed extra time to knock off Pinellas County United Pelicans SC 3-1. Kwesi Caesar gave America a 1-0 lead in the second half, and Mikkel Fodstad and Henri Tophoven scored in extra time.

Kalonji Pro-Profile (UPSL)
vs. 
Mint Hill FC (UPSL)
Shiloh High School – Snellville, GA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

Kalonji Pro-Profile hosts Mint Hill FC in a battle of clubs who have never reached the Final Round of qualifying before.

Kalonji return to qualifying after sitting out last year. They previously entered in 2023 and 2024, winning their opening game before being eliminated in the next round. Kalonji finished 10-1-2 in the UPSL Georgia division. 

Mint Hill are attempting to qualify for the Open Cup for the fourth straight year. Mint Hill finished 9-3-0 in the North Carolina Soccer League and are playing in the UPSL for the Fall season.

Kalonji came out on top of a back and forth game, defeating LSA Norcross Pro 4-2. Kalonji fell behind 1-0 at the half, but took a 2-1 lead midway through the second half. After LSA pulled even, Kalonji scored twice in the final minute to take the win. Karim Tmimi and Zain Hylton each had a brace.

Mint Hill overcame an early 1-0 deficit to defeat SCU Heat 3-2. John Agnew and Matthew Guarda gave Mint Hill a 2-1 lead at the half, and Jamie DiLuzio scored the eventual game winner in the 88th minute.

Tennessee United SC (UPSL)
vs. 
Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)
Station Camp H.S. – Gallatin, TN
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET

A pair of UPSL KY-TB division rivals square off as Tennessee United hosts 2025 qualifiers Southern Indiana FC. SIFU have defeated Tennessee United twice this year in UPSL play, first by a score of 4-0 on March 29 in the Spring season opener, then again on Sept. 14 with a closer 1-0 scoreline. The clubs are set to meet again on Nov. 16.

Tennessee United are making their inaugural attempt at Open Cup qualifying. TUSC finished 5-6-0 in the UPSL KY-TN division Spring season and are 2-3-0 in the Fall session.

After a successful qualifying run last year, Southern Indiana FC are back to try for two in a row. SIFC ran the table during the UPSL spring season, going 11-0-0 in the KY-TN division, but were eliminated in the playoffs by FC Leopards BGKY in a shocking 5-0 defeat. SIFC are currently 4-1-1 in the Fall season.

Southern Indiana began this year’s qualifying with a dominant 10-0 win over the Southern Indiana Guardians FC of the UPSL. Seven different players scored for SIFC. Led by Kellen Clegg and Nathan Brown with two each. SIFC’s Second Round win was a little closer. Spotting Bootleggers AC an early 1-0 lead, Southern Indiana scored four unanswered goals for a 4-1 win.

Tennessee United made their way to the Third Round with a 2-0 victory over Eagles Sports Southaven FC (UPSL). Sam Pomeroy and Nick Krall scored TUFC’s goals.

Zum Schneider FC (APSL/USASA)
vs. 
Metropolitan Oval Academy (TLfC/USASA)
Jack McManus Field – New York, NY
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET 

A pair of clubs from New York City who have never graced the Open Cup proper before clash at Jack McManus Field on NYC’s Roosevelt Island for a chance to play for a spot in the 2026 Open Cup. 

Zum Schneider are making a third straight appearance in Open Cup qualifying. Last year they reached the Third Round where they fell to Lansdowne Yonkers 3-1. Zum finished 6-11-5 in the 2024-25 APSL Metropolitan Conference season and have started 2-5-0 in the 2025-26 season.

Metropolitan Oval Academy are making their first attempt at Open Cup qualifying. MCA finished 12-1-1 in The League for Clubs Northeast Conference and won TLFC championship, defeating Napa Valley 1839 FC on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Zum Schneider pulled off a remarkable comeback win in the Second Round over Osner’s FC. Down 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining, Zum stormed back to score three times to force extra time. In the extra session Zum continued their barrage, scoring four more goals to win 7-3. Seven different players filled the scoresheet for the winners.

Like Omaha Street, Metropolitan Oval Academy are still waiting to make their on-field qualifying debut as their opponents for the Second Round, the Central Park Rangers, forfeited the contest for unknown reasons.

Virginia Dream FC (UPSL) 
vs. 
Guerrilla FC (DCPL/USASA)
Meridian High School – Falls Church, VA
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

2024 qualifiers Virginia Dream look to end the Open Cup dreams of Guerrilla FC when they meet at Fall Church, Va. in the Third Round of qualifying.

Qualifying in their debut last year, Virginia Dream FC went on to upset the Richmond Kickers from USL League One 3-1 in the tournament proper. Virginia Dream finished 8-0-2 in the UPSL DMV South-A division and are currently 7-3-0 in the Fall season. Virginia also fielded a team in the NPSL, finishing 9-1-0.

Guerilla FC returns to Open Cup qualifying after a one-and-done performance in their debut attempt last year. Guerrilla FC finished 6-2-2 in the DC Premier League and won the 2024 Spring DCPL season with a 12-0-0 record and are currently 3-1-2 in the Fall league.

After falling behind 1-0 in the 2nd minute, Virginia Dream came back on goals from Williams Yami in each half to defeat Doradus FC 2-1

Guerrilla FC’s game with DMV Elite was the first in this year’s qualifying to go to penalty kicks. Guerrilla struck first in the 37th minute through Ian Daly, but DMV responded just a minute later to draw level. Neither team could break the deadlock in the following 82 minutes, leading to a penalty tiebreaker where Guerrilla prevailed 4-2.

International San Francisco (SFSFL/USASA)
vs. 
San Ramon FC (TLfC/USASA)
James P. Lang Soccer Field – San Francisco, CA
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET

One step away from their fourth consecutive appearance in a “Win and You’re In” game, Inter San Francisco hosts newcomers San Ramon FC.

Inter San Francisco are entering Open Cup qualifying for the fifth time. They qualified in 2023 and 2025, and reached the final round in 2024. They’ve been one of the top scoring teams by far in the last three qualifying tournaments, scoring 48 goals over eight games. Starting in the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) 3rd tier, ISF won promotion two straight seasons after their debut in 2022. Inter finished 9-10-3 in the SFSFL Premier Division.

San Ramon are making their qualifying debut this year and finished 9-4-2 in The League for Clubs NorCal Conference. San Ramon has been active since 1973 and previously played in the NPSL. 

Inter San Francisco held on to defeat CF San Rafael of The League For Clubs 3-2 in the Second Round, ISF jumped out to a 3-0 lead on two goals from Javier Rivera Hernandez and one from Dylan Autran. San Ramon attempted a comeback with two goals in the second half, but fell short.

San Ramon cruised past Dublin Celtic FC of the Southwest Premier League 6-0. Six different players scored for San Ramon, who jumped out to a 5-0 halftime lead.

210 FC (UPSL)
vs. 
ASC New Stars (HFA/USASA)
Cibolo Multi-Event Center – Cibolo, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET

Three-time Open Cup qualifiers ASC New Stars make the trek to the outskirts of San Antonio to face the UPSL’s 210 FC. New Stars are trying to snap a 13-year Open Cup absence, while 210 are looking to better their 2025 performance when they were eliminated in the same round by another club from Houston, Houston Regals SCA.

San Antonio-based 210 FC are back for a second attempt at Open Cup qualifying after their debut last year. In that qualifying run they won their opening contest but lost in the following round to Houston Regals SCA. 210 FC finished 6-4-0 in UPSL Texas Central Spring season and are 4-1-0 in the Fall season.

ASC New Stars are making their second attempt at Open Division qualifying after going one and done last year. ASC (Aria Soccer Club) are no strangers to the Open Cup, having qualified three times (2008, 2011, 2012) before Open Division qualifying was re-organized in 2016. The New Stars finished 11-2-5 in Houston Football Association, and reached the Region III Final of the National Amateur Cup.

210 FC opened qualifying with a commanding 6-2 win over Master Joga. Jared Lucio had a hat trick and Collins Gitau scored twice as 210 scored five goals in the span of 18 minutes in the second half.

ASC New Stars advanced to the Third Round with a 3-0 win over the UPSL’s Beaumont.

Scoring for New Stars were Iván Luquetta, Delano Foster and Felix Allisson.

Omaha Street FC (UPSL)
vs. 
BOHFS St. Louis (MWPL/USASA)
Blackburn High School – Omaha, NE
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET

Omaha Street are still looking to make their on-field qualifying debut as they host BOHFS St. Louis. After receiving a bye in the opening round, Omaha got another free pass when the Iowa Demon Hawks forfeited their Second Round contest. BOHFS continued their quest to become the first St. Louis area Open Division team to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era.

Omaha Street FC makes its qualifying debut and are affiliated with Boston Street FC, who entered qualifying from 2023-2025. Omaha Street finished 7-1-2 in the UPSL NE-SD-IA division and reached the UPSL Round of 32. Omaha are currently 4-1-2 in the UPSL Fall season.

BOHFS are making their debut in Open Cup qualifying this year. BOHFA finished 6-3-1 in the Midwest Premier League Gateway Conference.

Protagonist Soccer: Who Are Ya!: BOHFS St Louis

Omaha Street had the benefit of advancing via forfeit when the NPSL’s Iowa Demon Hawks did not have enough players available to field a team. It was one of two forfeits in the Second Round.

BOHFS earned their first qualifying win with a 3-1 triumph over Woodland Football Club\. Elliot Goodwin, Alex Webern and Michael Utley scored for the winners.