New England Rivalry Ignites as Revs Welcome Rhode Island FC in U.S. Open Cup Clash

A fresh chapter in New England soccer is set to be written this summer as the New England Revolution will host upstart USL Championship side Rhode Island FC in the Round of 32 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The draw, announced this week, pits the region’s MLS standard-bearer against its newest professional neighbor in a high-stakes knockout match.

For Virginia soccer fans, the matchup is a compelling glimpse into the evolving American soccer landscape. While the Revs, based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, are the established giants, Rhode Island FC represents the growing ambition of the second-division USL. This David vs. Goliath contest, played under the single-elimination format of the historic Open Cup, guarantees drama and the potential for a legendary upset.

The tournament, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States, is famous for its magic, where lower-division clubs can topple MLS powers on any given night. For Rhode Island, this is a monumental opportunity to make a name for themselves against their more illustrious northern rivals. For the Revolution, it’s a must-win to avoid an embarrassing early exit and advance deeper into a competition they have never won.

Virginia’s own passionate soccer community, from the youth fields of Loudoun to the supporters’ groups in Richmond, will be watching closely. The result could have implications for local USL Championship teams like the Richmond Kickers, showcasing the path to challenging MLS elites. The date and time for the showdown at Gillette Stadium will be finalized soon, but one thing is certain: New England soccer bragging rights will be on the line.