Seattle Sounders FC Fans: Unpacking the Wild 2026 US Open Cup Format
Seattle Sounders FC supporters, dive into the unique chaos of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Discover its format, key matchups, and how to watch the Round of 16 action.
Seattle Sounders FC fans are always keen to follow the broader landscape of American soccer, and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup stands out as the nation's wildest tournament. Often described as the "March Madness of soccer," this unique competition brings together amateur, semi-pro, and professional teams in a single bracket, mirroring prestigious global domestic cups like England's FA Cup and Spain's Copa del Rey. For clubs like Seattle Sounders FC, four-time champions of the tournament, understanding its structure and current developments is key.
The 2026 edition of the U.S. Open Cup is currently in full swing, with teams fiercely competing for a coveted spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Round of 16 kicked off on Tuesday, May 14, and continues on Wednesday, May 15, setting the stage for the quarterfinals scheduled for May 19 and May 20. This format ensures thrilling, unpredictable matchups as clubs from various tiers clash.
For those eager to follow the action, all Round of 16 games are exclusively broadcast on Paramount+. This ensures that Seattle Sounders FC supporters, along with other soccer enthusiasts, can catch every moment of the drama as teams battle for advancement.
Tuesday's Round of 16 saw some intense competition. Atlanta United FC secured a 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC, while the San Jose Earthquakes triumphed over Minnesota United FC with a 4-2 scoreline. These results highlight the competitive nature of the tournament as MLS sides vie for supremacy.
The excitement continues with six more matches scheduled for Wednesday, May 15. Kicking off at 7 p.m. ET, Red Bull New York faces New York City FC, and New England Revolution takes on Orlando City SC at 7:30 p.m. ET. Other key matchups include Columbus Crew against One Knoxville SC at 7:30 p.m. ET, Chicago Fire FC battling St. Louis CITY SC at 8 p.m. ET, Houston Dynamo FC hosting Louisville City FC at 8 p.m. ET, and Colorado Rapids playing their opponent.
As the tournament progresses, Seattle Sounders FC fans will be watching closely to see which teams emerge victorious from this thrilling and unpredictable cup competition, a testament to the depth and passion of soccer across the United States.