Nashville SC's star player Hany Mukhtar has shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming return of the U.S. Open Cup, a prestigious tournament that holds special significance for him. Growing up in Germany, Mukhtar was inspired by the DFB-Pokal, the country's premier domestic cup competition, which has a rich history spanning over ninety years. This background has fueled his excitement for the Open Cup, which he sees as a unique opportunity for teams to compete in a win-or-go-home format.
On September 2, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that all 27 U.S.-based clubs will participate in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Mukhtar expressed his thoughts on the tournament, stating, "Being from Germany, the DFB-Pokal is very, very meaningful and I think a cup is a very unique setup, because it's win or go home. I like that mentality. I think American fans love it, the playoff style, and I’m looking forward to being part of it next year." His passion for the tournament is palpable as he anticipates the challenges and excitement it will bring.
The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the United States, having been held annually since 1914, with the exception of the 2020 and 2021 tournaments, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2027 edition of the tournament is set to feature a robust field of 96 teams, allowing any U.S.-based club, whether professional or amateur, to enter. This inclusivity is a hallmark of the competition, making it a thrilling event for fans and players alike.
Nashville SC made history in 2025 when they claimed the U.S. Open Cup, becoming the first professional sports team from Tennessee to win a major title. Mukhtar reflected on this achievement, saying, "For us players, it’s amazing, because we can win one more trophy ... That is my mentality. A trophy is a trophy, doesn’t matter which trophy." This sentiment underscores the importance of the cup to the team and its players, as they aim to add more silverware to their collection.
However, Nashville SC faced challenges in defending their title this year, as they shifted focus to the Leagues Cup competition. The MLS's expansion into the Leagues Cup, which is co-organized with Mexico's Liga MX, limited the number of teams eligible for the Open Cup. In 2024, only eight MLS teams participated, while 16 teams were allowed in the previous two tournaments.
Looking ahead, MLS teams will enter the U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 64, starting in July. The matchups will be determined based on geographical location, which means Nashville SC could potentially face a lower division team from the South. In their 2025 campaign, they began with a match against the USL League One's Chattanooga Red Wolves, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
The return to the U.S. Open Cup aligns with MLS's transition to a summer-through-spring schedule ahead of the 2027-28 season. The upcoming 112th tournament will allow for a 20-man gameday roster, giving teams the flexibility to include first-team players, MLS Next Pro athletes, and academy talents. Nashville SC's head coach, B.J. Callaghan, emphasized the importance of the Open Cup, stating, "The Open Cup is the most historic trophy in this country, and I think it's great that every single team that plays professional soccer, amateur soccer can enter and compete. We valued it a ton last year and were fortunate enough to win. We look forward to competing again when the time comes."
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