You Won't Believe What Sporting KC's Shocking Move Means for Their U.S. Open Cup Future!

Sporting Kansas City is set to kick off its journey in the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a match against USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Tuesday, April 14. This encounter will take place in the Round of 32 of the historic competition, which has been a staple of American soccer since its inception in 1914.

Today, U.S. Soccer announced the draw for the Round of 32 and Round of 16, revealing that the winner of the match between Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Springs will advance to face either the Colorado Rapids (MLS) or Union Omaha (USL League One) in the next round. Sporting Kansas City holds the hosting priority for the Round of 16, followed by the Colorado Rapids and Union Omaha.

As one of the 16 Major League Soccer (MLS) teams entering the fray, Sporting Kansas City will compete against a total of 64 clubs from various tiers of American soccer, including 16 teams from lower divisions. The matches will be broadcast live on Paramount+, with CBS Sports serving as the multi-media rights holder for the tournament.

The 2026 U.S. Open Cup will see a total of 80 teams vying for glory through seven rounds of single-elimination play. The ultimate champion will not only secure a cash prize of $1 million but will also receive the prestigious Dewar Challenge Trophy and a coveted spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

2026 U.S. Open Cup Schedule:
Round of 32: April 14-15
Round of 16: April 28-29
Quarterfinals: May 19-20
Semifinals: September 15-16
Final: October 21

This matchup marks the first meeting between Colorado Springs and Sporting Kansas City. The Switchbacks earned their place in the Round of 32 by winning the USL Championship in 2024. They advanced past the first round with a decisive 3-0 victory over Azteca FC (United Premier Soccer League) and progressed in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Spokane Velocity FC (USL League One) in the second round.

The U.S. Open Cup, named after former Kansas City Wizards owner Lamar Hunt, has a rich legacy of crowning champions, with Sporting Kansas City being one of the most successful teams in the tournament's history. They have claimed the title four times—in 2004, 2012, 2015, and 2017—tying them for the most wins among MLS teams. Their previous participation saw them finish as runners-up in 2024, falling 3-1 to LAFC after extra time at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

As the tournament approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling display of talent and competition as teams from different leagues come together, each with their sights set on lifting the trophy and claiming national glory.