St. Louis City don win the 2026 U.S. Open Cup afta reserve goalkeeper Benjamin Lundt turn hero for shootout to help dem beat Columbus Crew. Na the shootout drama decide the final wey dem play for ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 21, 2026.
Columbus Crew no just host the final by chance. In May, U.S. Soccer conduct one “final draw” wey set the brackets, pathways and hosts from quarterfinal reach final. From last eight onward, tournament split into East and West, and the draw rule say winners of the East semifinals go host the final.
The competition start with 80 clubs, professional and amateur, and dem compete for $1 million prize purse. Winner go collect $600,000, while runner-up go take $250,000. Apart from the trophy, the winner also get place for 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup and go enter for Round One.
Before the final, Columbus Crew carry better history. Since dem found Columbus Crew in 1994, the club don win three MLS Cups, three Supporters’ Shields and the U.S. Open Cup before, back in 2002. St. Louis City start in 2019 and dem bin dey search for first major honor. The Missouri side however win the Western Conference in 2023, the first year dem play MLS.
The shootout performance now hand St. Louis City the Open Cup crown and don vindicate the club’s process-first approach.
