On September 16, 2026, the Columbus Crew will welcome Orlando City SC to Scotts Miracle-Gro Field for the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The game will be shown live on CBS Sports Network and will also be available to stream on Paramount+, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the action.
A Milestone for the Crew
The Crew earned their spot in the final four after a narrow 1‑0 victory over New York City FC, a result that extended their all‑time U.S. Open Cup record to 25‑14‑13. That win continues a tradition that dates back to 1914, when the competition was first contested, and underscores Columbus’s consistent presence in the tournament’s later rounds.
Beyond the bragging rights, the stakes are financially significant. The champion of the 2026 U.S. Open Cup will receive $600,000 in prize money and a berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, while the runner‑up will take home $250,000. Even teams that progress far in the lower divisions can claim a $50,000 cash prize, adding extra incentive to each match.
Columbus’s first U.S. Open Cup trophy came in 2002, when the team defeated the LA Galaxy to claim the title. That triumph remains a landmark moment for the club and its supporters, and the current squad hopes to add another chapter to that legacy.
The tournament’s rich history, combined with the modern broadcast reach through CBS Sports Network and Paramount+, highlights the growing popularity of American soccer and the role of competitions like the Open Cup in nurturing talent and community engagement.