The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a massive knockout tournament featuring a mix of pro and amateur men’s soccer clubs. After a long qualification period, the competition kicks off in spring, with around 100 teams vying to reach the final in September.
The first stages of the tournament stream free on YouTube and CBS Sports platforms. However, you need CBS Sports Network or Paramount+ to watch the 2023 final on Wednesday, September 27.
With so many matches happening across multiple viewing options, tuning in can be confusing. But we’re here to guide you to the best ways to watch America’s premier soccer competition.
What channel is the U.S. Open Cup on?
You can stream select U.S. Open Cup games on CBS Sports Golazo Network via the CBS Sports app and Pluto TV. Bleacher Report Football and U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channels show additional matchups throughout the season.
The 2023 U.S. Open Cup final will air exclusively on CBS Sports Network and stream on Paramount+.
Pro tip: Spanish-language coverage of the 2023 semifinals and final will air across Telemundo and UNIVERSO. The same broadcasts will stream on Peacock.
2023 U.S. Open Cup schedule
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ends in late September, with the championship game on September 27. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; open division qualification for the 2024 competition is already underway.
| Match | Day | Time (ET) | English channels | Spanish channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semifinal: Inter Miami CF at FC Cincinnati | Wednesday, August 23 | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, Pluto TV, Paramount+ | Telemundo, Peacock |
| Semifinal: Real Salt Lake at Houston Dynamo FC | Wednesday, August 23 | 9:30 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network, Paramount+ | UNIVERSO, Peacock |
| Final: Houston Dynamo FC at Inter Miami CF | Wednesday, September 27 | 8:30 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ | Telemundo, UNIVERSO, Peacock |
Data effective as of post date.
- First qualifying round: Sept. 9–10, 2023
- Second qualifying round: Sept. 30–Oct. 1, 2023
- Third qualifying round: Oct. 21–22, 2023
- Fourth qualifying round: Nov. 18–19, 2023
Best TV plans for watching the U.S. Open Cup
The U.S. Open Cup’s early rounds unfold on free platforms like YouTube and Pluto TV. Therefore, you can savor the excitement without needing a paid TV plan until the finale.
To stay connected throughout the 2023 campaign, we recommend downloading the YouTube and Pluto TV apps. Then, when it’s time to catch the championship game, you can pick up a monthly subscription to Paramount+ (starting at $6.99 a month) to watch the climactic showdown.
Unfortunately, the tournament’s initial stages have no Spanish-language viewing option. But you can watch the semifinals and final en Español on Peacock.
Which TV providers show the U.S. Open Cup?
To enjoy the final U.S. Open Cup games on a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service, you need access to CBS Sports Network, Telemundo, and UNIVERSO. Our table below illustrates which popular providers offer these channels.
| Provider | Price | CBS Sports Network | Telemundo | UNIVERSO | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $61.00–$152.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔* | ✔ |
Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔** | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV review |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $69.99–$159.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔** | ✔ |
View plans Read DIRECTV STREAM review |
| DISH | $84.99–$114.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔** | ✔ |
View plans Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $32.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔* | ✔ |
View plans Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99–$89.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔** |
View plans Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $35.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $25.00/mo. | — | — | — |
View plans Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $40.00–$55.00/mo. | — | — | ✔** |
View plans Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $69.99–$74.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View plans Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | $69.00–$129.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔* | ✔ |
View plans Read Verizon Fios review |
| Vidgo | $69.99–$99.99/mo. | — | — | — |
View plans Read Vidgo review |
| Xfinity | $20.00–$80.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔** | ✔ |
View plans Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔** |
View plans Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets.
**Available in Spanish-language plan or separate add-on.
How to watch the U.S. Open Cup for free
Most U.S. Open Cup games are free to watch via YouTube and other platforms like the CBS Sports Golazo Network on Pluto TV and the CBS Sports app. However, the championship game is behind a paywall. To tune in, you need a TV plan featuring CBS Sports Network or a Paramount+ subscription.
The good news? You can still catch the final for free with a Paramount+ free trial. Just remember to hit that cancel button before the trial period ends.
How to watch the U.S. Open Cup FAQ
Where can you stream the U.S. Open Cup?
You can stream U.S. Open Cup games across various platforms—including Paramount+, Pluto TV, Bleacher Report Football’s YouTube channel, and U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel. Live TV streaming services also carry select games via traditional channels like CBS Sports Network, Telemundo, and UNIVERSO.
Does MLS Season Pass have the U.S. Open Cup?
No, MLS Season Pass doesn’t carry the U.S. Open Cup. Instead, the Apple TV streaming service has every game of the MLS regular season, MLS Cup, and Leagues Cup.
What happens if you win the U.S. Open Cup?
Teams that win the U.S. Open Cup earn $300,000 and automatic entry into the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The winning club also gets its name engraved on the Deward Challenge Trophy, which sits at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas.
Why is the U.S. Open Cup named after Lamar Hunt?
Initially known as the National Challenge Cup, U.S. Soccer rebranded the tournament as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999. The name recognizes Hunt’s pivotal role in fostering the growth and progress of professional soccer in America. His legacy includes being an MLS charter investor and owning the Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards, and FC Dallas.
Methodology
Our sports experts compiled a comprehensive list of channels and streaming platforms showing this season’s U.S. Open Cup games. Utilizing that data, we evaluated popular TV services head to head. We determined our final viewing recommendations based on game accessibility, pricing, and user friendliness.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
