Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Qualifying

Qualifying

Through the 2011 edition, eight teams from each level of the American Soccer Pyramid took part in the competition proper, with each league narrowing its delegation separately in the spring before the competition officially began in the summer. In some cases, additional teams played in qualifying rounds to gain entry. One example was found with MLS clubs, as only the top six from the previous regular season received automatic bids, while the bottom U.S.-based MLS teams faced each other to qualify for the remaining two MLS slots.

Beginning in 2012, the competition was expanded from its previous 40 teams to 64, with the qualifying process radically changed. The National Premier Soccer League receives six places, plus the possibility of a seventh in a playoff against a team from the amateur US Club Soccer setup. Nine clubs from the USASA earn places, as do 16 U.S.-based PDL teams. Each of these organizations has its own qualifying process to determine its entrants. These 32 teams contest the first round of the Cup, with the winners joined in the second round by all 16 U.S.-based teams in USL Pro and the NASL. The 16 U.S.-based MLS teams enter in the third round.

Since 2008, the champion of the U.S. Open Cup has earned the right to play in the CONCACAF Champions League. The first team to represent the U.S. as Open Cup champion was 2007's winner, the New England Revolution.