Last night the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup came to a close and that meant that this morning it was time for the draw. As with previous seasons the draw remained in a familiar format, sorting teams into "geographical" groups to set the opponents for the third and fourth rounds. Along with that hosting priority was determined to see who will host in the fourth round. Prior to the tournament it was decided that 8 MLS teams will host and 8 will play away in their first match, somewhat complicating the geographic nature of these rounds of the cup.
Groups for the draw.
— US Open Cup News (@thecup.us) 2026-04-02T13:08:31.602Z
The geographical draw gave Minnesota United one of the worst sets in the entire tournament, being put in with three Western clubs rather than any Midwestern sides. In that group Minnesota was selected to play the Round of 32 away from home while San Jose Earthquakes were set as the MLS host in the group.
Hosting priority was drawn simultaneously with the match draw, giving San Jose first priority, Minnesota second, and Sacramento third. Minnesota United was drawn against Sacramento Republic and will travel to the California capital for an Open Cup clash on either 14 or 15 April. Sacramento can only host in the fourth round if the defeat the Loons and Phoenix takes down the 'Quakes.
MNUFC will only host in the fourth round on 28 or 29 April should they win and San Jose lose their third round match.
