UPSL Champion and Runner-Up to Earn 2027 U.S. Open Cup Berths

Two direct-entry places will be awarded at the 2026 UPSL Spring National Finals

The United Premier Soccer League is proud to announce that the 2026 UPSL Spring National Champion and National Runner-Up will both earn direct entry into the Tournament Proper of the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

According to U.S. Soccer’s announcement, the UPSL Spring National Champion will receive an automatic berth, while the league has also been awarded an additional direct-entry place. The UPSL will award that second berth to the Spring National Runner-Up.

The announcement means both teams competing in the upcoming UPSL National Championship Final will secure places in one of the most historic competitions in American soccer.

“This is another major step forward for the UPSL and our clubs,” Nick Webster, Executive Vice President said. “The additional berth recognizes the strength and continued growth of our league while providing another opportunity for our teams and players to compete on the national stage.”

U.S. Soccer announced that 32 Open Division teams will participate in the 2027 Tournament Proper. Sixteen teams will advance through qualifying, while 16 will receive direct entry through selected leagues and competitions. The UPSL is one of only three leagues to receive an additional direct-entry allocation.

UPSL’s Growing U.S. Open Cup Presence

The UPSL was represented by 10 clubs during the 2026 U.S. Open Cup, with one club receiving automatic entry and nine others advancing through qualifying.

The UPSL representatives were:

Tennessee Tempo FC, Virginia Dream FC, Southern Indiana FC, Kalonji Pro-Profile, Florida Badgers FC, Valley 559 FC, San Ramon FC, Laguna United FC, FC America CFL Spurs and New York Renegades FC.

The U.S. Open Cup provides UPSL clubs with the opportunity to compete against professional opposition from across the American soccer pyramid. Teams that advance deep into the competition can potentially earn a matchup against a Major League Soccer club.

With two direct-entry berths now on the line, the road to the 2026 UPSL Spring National Championship carries an even greater reward: the opportunity to represent the league in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Source: U.S. Soccer – 2027 U.S. Open Cup Open Division Participation