The U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 kicks off on Tuesday and Wednesday, marking the entry of MLS teams into the tournament. They will compete against opponents from lower leagues.
This phase features 16 MLS sides, including historical winners like Chicago Fire (four times) and recent champions such as Houston Dynamo and Orlando City. These MLS clubs are matched against lower-division teams: 12 from the USL Championship, three from USL League One, and one from MLS Next Pro. The draw has created many regional ties, including intrastate contests like 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. Coverage includes studio analysis on both days. Additionally, “The Golazo Show,” a program featuring goals and highlights from multiple games simultaneously, will cover the 11 matches scheduled for Wednesday.
Here is the essential information for tuning in.
U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Broadcast Schedule
| Matchup | How to Watch |
|---|---|
| TUESDAY, MAY 6 | |
| D.C. United vs. Charleston Battery | Paramount+ |
| North Carolina FC vs. Charlotte FC | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Nashville SC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves | Paramount+ |
| CBS Sports Golazo Matchday | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. New York Red Bulls | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Tacoma Defiance vs. Portland Timbers | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 | |
| The Golazo Show | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. New York City FC | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| Philadelphia Union vs. Indy Eleven | Paramount+ |
| Louisville City vs. Minnesota United | Paramount+ |
| Rhode Island FC vs. New England Revolution | Paramount+ |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City | Paramount+ |
| Chicago Fire vs. Detroit City | Paramount+ |
| FC Dallas vs. AV Alta FC | Paramount+ |
| St. Louis City vs. Union Omaha | Paramount+ |
| Austin FC vs. El Paso Locomotive | Paramount+ |
| CBS Sports Golazo Matchday | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Phoenix Rising vs. Houston Dynamo | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sacramento Republic | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Key Storylines for the Round of 32
1. San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sacramento Republic Showdown
If you watch only one match this round, consider the last one: Sacramento Republic visiting the San Jose Earthquakes. While the MLS side, managed by former USMNT coach Bruce Arena, is the favorite, Sacramento Republic is a strong competitor in this tournament. They had a remarkable run to the final just three years ago, defeating MLS teams like the Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Sporting Kansas City before falling to Orlando City. As the first non-MLS team since 2008 to reach the final, they could be aiming for another deep run this year, however improbable.
2. Potential Upset Watch
While most ties pit MLS against USL Championship teams, several third-division sides also reached the Round of 32. These include USL League One`s AV Alta FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves, and Union Omaha, plus MLS Next Pro`s Tacoma Defiance (affiliated with the Seattle Sounders). Tacoma Defiance will host a Pacific Northwest derby feel when the Portland Timbers visit on Wednesday. Chattanooga Red Wolves will face fellow Tennessee club Nashville SC. The MLS teams are strong favorites in these particular matches, but the nature of single-elimination cup ties means lower-league sides will be pushing hard for upsets.
Benedict Kingsley