As the United States enters the peak of its soccer season, a long-standing tradition is set to kick off with a fresh twist. The U.S. Open Cup, a tournament steeped in history and competition, is gearing up for its next chapter. For the first time, the opening rounds of the prestigious tournament will be broadcast for free on the YouTube channel of Soccer America, marking a significant shift in the way fans can experience the excitement of this beloved competition.
U.S. Open Cup: First Two Rounds to Air Exclusively on YouTube Channel
CHICAGO (March 13, 2025) – U.S. Soccer today announced the opening two rounds of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will air exclusively via its YouTube channel at youtube.com/ussoccer, beginning with next week’s First Round matches.
The 110th edition U.S. Soccer’s men’s club national championship kicks off next week with a compelling 32-game slate pitting amateur clubs against professional sides on March 18, 19 and 20.
The winners of those affairs will then be paired to comprise the Second Round’s 16 fixtures, to be contested from April 1-2.
U.S. Soccer’s YouTube home is where fans will find live streams for tilts in the coming weeks, in addition to match highlights and more Cup-centric content.
Fans can access direct links to all First Round games via the U.S. Open Cup playlist section within the YouTube channel.
Broadcast details for later rounds will be announced in the near future.
The First Round’s 64 participants will consist of 32 amateur clubs from the Open Division facing 32 professional teams from Divisions II & III.
The Open Division representatives include 14 Qualifying Round winners, nine USL League Two teams, seven NPSL teams, the USASA National Amateur Cup champion and the UPSL Spring Champion.
Division III representatives include 14 USL League One teams and ten MLS Next Pro clubs, who will be joined in the First Round by eight of the 24 participating teams from Division II’s USL Championship.
Amateur Clubs vs. Professional Sides
The Stage is Set
The 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will kick off next week with a compelling 32-game slate, pitting amateur clubs against professional sides on March 18, 19, and 20.
The First Round will feature 64 participants, consisting of 32 amateur clubs from the Open Division facing 32 professional teams from Divisions II & III.
This format will provide fans with a unique opportunity to witness the competitive spirit of both amateur and professional teams.
A New Era of Competition
The First Round will feature a mix of established teams and newcomers, creating an exciting and unpredictable competition.
Amateur clubs will face off against professional teams, pushing them to their limits and providing a chance for upsets.
This format will also give fans a glimpse into the future of American soccer, as up-and-coming players and teams take center stage.
Rising Stars Shine Bright
The Open Division’s Qualifying Round winners, nine USL League Two teams, seven NPSL teams, the USASA National Amateur Cup champion, and the UPSL Spring Champion will battle it out to secure spots in the Second Round.
These teams have proven themselves in their respective competitions and are now ready for the next level.
Their success in the First Round will be a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Division III Representatives
14 USL League One Teams and Ten MLS Next Pro Clubs
Division III representatives include 14 USL League One teams and ten MLS Next Pro clubs, who will be joined in the First Round by eight of the 24 participating teams from Division II’s USL Championship.
This mix of teams will add depth and excitement to the competition.
Their participation will also serve as a stepping stone for top Division III teams looking to move up the ranks.
The U.S. Open Cup: A Stage for Underdogs to Shine
The 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is set to kick off, featuring a mix of amateur and professional teams, with a unique twist for Division III representatives and teams from the USL Championship.
The Underdogs
- Division III representatives, including 14 USL League One teams and ten MLS Next Pro clubs, will join the First Round by eight of the 24 participating teams from Division II’s USL Championship.
- The inclusion of Division III teams adds a new layer of competition, with amateur clubs vying for spots in the Second Round against Division II teams.
A New Chapter
The Division III teams will be vying for spots in the Second Round, where they will face off against Division II teams, providing an opportunity for these underdogs to shine on the national stage.
The Ups and Downs of the Competition
With some teams potentially earning a berth in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Division III teams will have the opportunity to take their careers to the next level, showcasing their skills against some of the best teams in the country.
The Road to the Final
The Second Round will feature 16 matches, with the winners advancing to the semifinals and ultimately the final, marking a long and winding road to the championship.
A Long and Winding Road
The Second Round will be a critical stage, with teams needing to overcome multiple obstacles to reach the final, making it a challenging and unpredictable competition.
The Battle for Glory
- The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner will earn a berth in the Concacaf Champions Cup, with the winner of the tournament having their name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy.
- The tournament will be remembered for its rich history, with the winners receiving a permanent display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas.
The Legacy Continues
The tournament will be a testament to the legacy of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with the winners receiving a permanent display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in the history books.
U.S. Soccer’s YouTube Channel to Air First Round Matches
U.S. Soccer has announced that the opening two rounds of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will air exclusively via its YouTube channel, providing fans with live streams of the First Round matches.
Exclusive Coverage
U.S. Soccer’s YouTube home will feature live streams for tilts in the coming weeks, in addition to match highlights and more Cup-centric content, giving fans an exclusive look at the tournament.
Direct Links to First Round Games
Fans can access direct links to all First Round games via the U.S. Open Cup playlist section within the YouTube channel, making it easy to stay up-to-date with the latest action.
Conclusion
The recent announcement by Soccer America that the U.S. Open Cup’s first two rounds will be aired on their YouTube channel marks a significant shift in the sport’s broadcasting landscape. As discussed in this article, this move aims to increase accessibility and exposure for the tournament, which has long been a staple of American soccer. Key takeaways include the expansion of coverage, the potential for broader audience engagement, and the significance of this development in the context of American soccer’s growing popularity.
This development holds far-reaching implications for the sport, as it paves the way for increased visibility and recognition of the U.S. Open Cup. By making the tournament more accessible to a wider audience, Soccer America is contributing to the sport’s growing mainstream appeal. This, in turn, may lead to increased participation, investment, and attention from fans, sponsors, and media outlets. The long-term effect of this shift in broadcasting strategy could be a sustained increase in interest and engagement with American soccer, both domestically and internationally.
As the U.S. Open Cup takes center stage on Soccer America’s YouTube channel, it’s clear that this development is not merely a broadcasting innovation, but a harbinger of a more inclusive and vibrant American soccer ecosystem. As the sport continues to evolve and grow, it will be fascinating to observe how this shift in broadcasting strategy contributes to its ongoing development and popularity. With this new chapter unfolding, the question remains: what’s next for American soccer, and how will this increased exposure shape its future trajectory?