The U.S. Open Cup continues this Tuesday and Wednesday with the Round of 32. This stage marks the debut of MLS teams in the competition, where they will face off against teams from lower divisions.
Sixteen MLS clubs are participating this week, including perennial contenders like Chicago Fire (four-time winners) and recent champions Houston Dynamo and Orlando City (winners in two of the last three tournaments). They are matched up against lower-division clubs: 12 from the USL Championship, three from USL League One, and one from MLS Next Pro. Several pairings are regional, featuring intrastate rivalries such as North Carolina FC vs. Charlotte FC and Austin FC vs. El Paso Locomotive.
All 16 Round of 32 matches will be broadcast by CBS Sports, accessible via CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Studio coverage is planned for both days. Additionally, “The Golazo Show,” offering live look-ins and highlights from multiple games, will be available on Wednesday to cover the 11 scheduled matches.
Here is key information for tuning in.
U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Broadcast Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
| TUESDAY, MAY 6 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| D.C. United vs. Charleston Battery | 7 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| North Carolina FC vs. Charlotte FC | 7 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Nashville SC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| CBS Sports Golazo Matchday | 9 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. New York Red Bulls | 9:30 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Tacoma Defiance vs. Portland Timbers | 10 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| The Golazo Show | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. New York City FC | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| Philadelphia Union vs. Indy Eleven | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Louisville City vs. Minnesota United | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Rhode Island FC vs. New England Revolution | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Chicago Fire vs. Detroit City | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| FC Dallas vs. AV Alta FC | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| St. Louis City vs. Union Omaha | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Austin FC vs. El Paso Locomotive | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| CBS Sports Golazo Matchday | 10 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Phoenix Rising vs. Houston Dynamo | 10 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sacramento Republic | 10:30 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Key Storylines for the Round of 32
1. San Jose Earthquakes Host Sacramento Republic: One of the most intriguing matchups in this round features Sacramento Republic visiting the San Jose Earthquakes. While the MLS club, coached by former USMNT boss Bruce Arena, is expected to be the favorite, Sacramento Republic has a strong history in the Open Cup. Just three years ago, they had a remarkable run to the final, defeating MLS teams like the Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Sporting Kansas City before falling to Orlando City. They were the first non-MLS team to reach the final since 2008 and will be looking to make another deep run, even if seen as unlikely.
2. Potential Upsets with Lower Division Teams: Although many ties pit MLS teams against USL Championship clubs, the Round of 32 includes several third-division participants. These are USL League One`s AV Alta FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves, and Union Omaha, along with MLS Next Pro`s Tacoma Defiance (affiliated with the Seattle Sounders). Tacoma Defiance hosts the Portland Timbers on Wednesday in a regional contest reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest rivalry. Meanwhile, Chattanooga Red Wolves face off against intrastate opponent Nashville SC. While the MLS sides are clear favorites in these specific matchups, the unpredictable nature of cup competitions means the lower-division teams will be aiming for significant upsets.
