The U.S. Open Cup, the nation’s oldest soccer tournament, will see a significant shift in 2024 as only eight Major League Soccer (MLS) teams participate. This comes after a disagreement between MLS and the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) regarding the competition format.
Limited MLS Participation:
Eight MLS teams will enter the competition, including the defending champion Houston Dynamo and top performers from the previous season not competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is one of the excluded MLS teams.
MLS will also field 11 teams from its third-tier MLS Next Pro league.
Competition Structure:
MLS teams will enter in the fourth round and face lower-tier opponents until facing other MLS teams later in the tournament.
This format contrasts with the previous year, where 18 and 8 MLS teams entered the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
Previous U.S. Open Cup History:
Houston is the defending champion, having defeated Inter Miami (without Messi) in the 2023 final.
Since MLS’s inception in 1996, only the 1999 Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL) have won the competition, defeating the Colorado Rapids in the final.
Reasoning Behind the Changes:
MLS initially planned to withdraw all teams, replacing them with developmental sides.
The USSF opposed this decision and instead implemented improvements such as increased financial incentives and travel reimbursements.
Conclusion:
The 2024 U.S. Open Cup will feature a reduced number of MLS teams alongside lower-tier clubs and developmental squads. While some fans may be disappointed by Messi’s absence and the reduced MLS participation, the revised structure aims to strengthen the competition’s long-term sustainability.
