MLS aims for excitement through US Open Cup following World Cup
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 9:00 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Major League Soccer is looking to capitalize on the excitement generated by the World Cup co-hosted by the US this summer. New commissioner Larry Berg expresses the need for 'jeopardy' in the league, suggesting that the US Open Cup could serve as a platform for underdog stories and knockout drama. While the tournament has struggled with participation issues from MLS teams in recent years, there is optimism that full professional involvement could return as the league undergoes structural changes. MLS's schedule is set to transition to a fall-spring format, which might align better with the Open Cup's calendar.
- •Larry Berg prioritizes 'jeopardy' in MLS competition structure.
- •US Open Cup has faced reduced participation from MLS teams since 2023.
- •The tournament features stories like El Farolito and Sacramento Republic's success.
- •MLS will switch to a fall-spring season next year.
- •USL plans to complete a three-tier professional league system by 2028.
- 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — US soccer wants excitement after the World Cup – the Open Cup provides it
- 9:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — US soccer wants excitement after the World Cup – the Open Cup provides it
"MLS wants to build on the momentum of the World Cup. America’s top domestic cup competition is an obvious place to start The new commissioner of Major League Soccer, Larry Berg, isn’t keen on the idea of promotion and relegation, but he is a fan of jeopardy. When asked the obligatory pro/rel question in his introductory press conference, Berg responded, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for our league, but I think there are other ways to create jeopardy during the regular season, [and] again in the playoffs.” He referred to this summer’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by the US, and the excitement it provided, adding, “Millions of people across North America experienced that passion firsthand. They fell in love with the drama, the atmosphere, the supporter culture and the emotion that makes soccer unlike anything else. In the World Cup, we all enjoyed knockout games after the group stage. I call those games of consequence or games of jeopardy.” Continue reading...
"MLS wants to build on the momentum of the World Cup. America’s top domestic cup competition is an obvious place to start
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 9:00 AMUS soccer wants excitement after the World Cup – the Open Cup provides it
MLS wants to build on the momentum of the World Cup. America’s top domestic cup competition is an obvious place to start
- The Guardian SportAug 22, 2026, 9:00 AMUS soccer wants excitement after the World Cup – the Open Cup provides it
MLS wants to build on the momentum of the World Cup. America’s top domestic cup competition is an obvious place to start The new commissioner of Major League Soccer, Larry Berg, isn’t keen on the idea of promotion and relegation, but he is a fan of jeopardy. When asked the obligatory pro/rel question in his introductory press conference, Berg responded, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for our league, but I think there are other ways to create jeopardy during the regular season, [and] again in the playoffs.” He referred to this summer’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by the US, and the excitement it provided, adding, “Millions of people across North America experienced that passion firsthand. They fell in love with the drama, the atmosphere, the supporter culture and the emotion that makes soccer unlike anything else. In the World Cup, we all enjoyed knockout games after the group stage. I call those games of consequence or games of jeopardy.” Continue reading...
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