The past week in the USL Championship and USL League One was calendar week, where the map to the Championship and League One Final were laid out for the 2026 season.

It also saw the release of the groupings and schedule for the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup, which enters its third season with a new sponsor and a seven-group format as the leagues grow to a combined 43 clubs.

After Hartford Athletic’s triumph this past October, earning the club its first silverware, we can now look ahead to next year’s tournament.

Here a first look at which clubs should be considered favorites, which could end up as the dark horses to advance, and which League One club in each group could be a surprise package in each group.

Group 1

Early Favorite – Sacramento Republic FC: The 2025 Finalists will be aiming to go one better next year as Head Coach Neill Collins looks to bring silverware to Heart Health Park. After a successful first year overall, we’re expecting Sacramento to make another step forward in 2026.

Dark Horse – Oakland Roots SC: This year, Ryan Martin led Loudoun United to the knockout stage in what served as a key stepping stone for the club. As he takes the reins at Roots, with some familiar faces heading west with him, earning results in the cup would offer a similar blueprint.

Cupset Surprise – Athletic Club Boise: Everything surrounding AC Boise’s build-up to its inaugural season has built excitement around one of League One’s newcomers. We can’t wait to see the atmosphere at Expo Idaho when Republic FC visits on the final matchday of the group stage.

Group 2

Early Favorite – New Mexico United: Head Coach Dennis Sanchez’s squad went undefeated in the group stage last year but was held back by three draws that left it second in its group. With the side’s progress over the second half of 2025, though, there’s clear potential to come out on top.

Dark Horse – Phoenix Rising FC: There were few teams that delivered as much entertainment as Phoenix in 2025, now they’re going to be focused on finding more consistency while retaining that attacking flair. This group offers Rising a chance to step forward.

Cupset Surprise – AV ALTA FC: It’s likely going to be tough sledding for the only League One club in the group, but the atmosphere we saw at the Hangar last season means the Antelope Valley boys can contend – or at least spoil the hopes of one of its USL-C rivals.

Group 3

Early Favorite – FC Tulsa: The defending Western Conference title-holders underwhelmed in last year’s tournament but now have a big chance to step forward and push for more silverware. Expectations have been raised for the Scissortails, and they’re in a good spot to deliver.

Dark Horse – One Knoxville SC: The reigning League One title-holders only took one shootout victory in the group stage last season and is going to be retooling this offseason after some veteran departures. That clean slate could allow Head Coach Ian Fuller to build a squad that can battle with the USL-C sides.

Cupset Surprise – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: The Red Wolves have one of the most unique set-ups in terms of playing style in the league, and it can be challenging to play against at the best of times. After last year’s U.S. Open Cup run, why not USL Cup success in 2026 as well?

Group 4

Early Favorite – Louisville City FC: Yes, it’s the two-time defending USL Championship Players’ Shield holder, no surprise there. This group might be the most stacked of the seven, but after missing out on advancing from the group stage last year, Louisville will be primed to shoot for silverware again.

Dark Horse – Lexington SC: We’ve all been paying attention to what Lexington SC is cooking up this offseason and getting one over its Commonwealth Cup rival to advance to the knockout stage would be a big statement for new Head Coach Masaki Hemmi and his charges.

Cupset Surprise – Fort Wayne FC: There’s going to be no place better to be as a soccer fan in Indiana than at Fort Wayne’s new soccer-specific stadium when it hosts Indy Eleven on May 16. The League One newcomer will be hoping to make a statement after its prior success in USL League Two.

Group 5

Early Favorite – Hartford Athletic: The defending USL Cup title-holders get place of pride here as Head Coach Brendan Burke and his squad host Rhode Island FC in the opening game of the group stage. The winner of that matchup will be in pole position to advance, and Hartford’s had the edge between the two at Trinity Health Park.

Dark Horse – Portland Hearts of Pine: After capturing the hearts of America in their inaugural season, Hearts of Pine are going to be aiming to knock off their New England rivals and advance. With no Hartford on their group stage slate, the visit to Rhode Island on the second matchday looks pivotal.

Cupset Surprise – New York Cosmos: One of the most stories names in North American soccer will be hoping to hit its stride quickly as it arrives in USL League One. The Cosmos’ opening group stage game against USL-C newcomer Brooklyn FC is going to be a fascinating one.

Group 6

Early Favorite – Charleston Battery: Despite their stellar regular season, the Battery struggled in USL Cup this year. There are changes afoot at Patriots Point, but the consistency the side has brought under Head Coach Ben Pirmann puts it narrowly ahead of Old Guard Shield rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

Dark Horse – Charlotte Independence: By their underlying numbers, the Independence maybe should have been a stronger contender in League One than they ended up in 2025. After showing they can compete with USL-C clubs in last year’s group stage, they should take a step forward in 2026.

Cupset Surprise – Richmond Kickers: Is it too much to expect a side that missed the playoffs last year to deliver to challenge to advance? Maybe, but an offseason of change could be good for the Kickers, and their clash with the Battery at City Stadium is going to be must-see.

Group 7

Early Favorite – Tampa Bay Rowdies: After missing out on the postseason, the Rowdies are loading up for the new campaign with several eye-catching signings. Absent from the U.S. Open Cup due to this year’s finish, the USL Cup should be a big regular season target for Head Coach Dominic Casciato’s side.

Dark Horse – South Georgia Tormenta FC: The 2022 League One title-winner came to life under Mark McKeever to reach the postseason. While there are set to be some departures because of that success, Tormenta can build on that momentum and challenge to advance.

Cupset Minded – Sarasota Paradise: The former League Two club has brought in some notable veterans to launch its professional era. Heading to Tampa Bay for the opening group stage game is one to watch.