Columbus Crew and Colorado Rapids Advance to 2026 U.S. Open Cup Semifinals

The field for the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals is taking shape as Major League Soccer clubs continue their pursuit of the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy. Following intense quarterfinal action, the Columbus Crew and the Colorado Rapids have officially secured their spots in the tournament’s final four.

Tournament Path to the Semifinals

The path to the semifinals was paved with high-stakes matchups across the league. According to U.S. Soccer, the Columbus Crew and the Colorado Rapids earned their progression after standout performances from key players. Max Arfsten and Darren Yapi were instrumental in securing these victories, moving their respective clubs closer to the national championship.

The quarterfinals featured a series of all-MLS matchups, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s edition. The remaining semifinalists, Orlando City SC and St. Louis CITY SC, also confirmed their advancement following the conclusion of the quarterfinal round.

Key Matchup Details

• Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City SC: Scheduled for September 15-16.
• Colorado Rapids vs. St. Louis CITY SC: Scheduled for September 15-16.

A Legacy of Competition

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States, having crowned a champion annually since 1914. The tournament is open to both professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer, maintaining a tradition of a single-game-knockout format.

The winner of the 2026 tournament will secure more than just the prestigious Dewar Challenge Trophy; they will earn a coveted berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. As the competition progresses, the focus remains on the defending champions, Nashville SC, who claimed their first major piece of silverware by defeating Austin FC in the 2025 final.

Looking Ahead

With the semifinal bracket now set, the pressure intensifies for the final four clubs. Fans can expect rigorous preparation as these teams look to navigate the final stages of the tournament in September. For the Columbus Crew and their counterparts, the goal is clear: a spot in the final and a chance to etch their name into American soccer history.

Key Takeaways

• Semifinalists Confirmed: Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Orlando City SC, and St. Louis CITY SC have advanced.
• Tournament Significance: The U.S. Open Cup champion earns an automatic qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
• Historical Context: The Dewar Challenge Trophy, awarded to the winner, is one of the oldest trophies in American team sports and is housed at the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Stay tuned to AchyNewsy.com for further updates as the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup approaches its decisive conclusion.