The 2025 U.S. Open Cup final will see Austin FC host Nashville SC on Wednesday, Oct. 1, as American soccer's oldest tournament pits two MLS sides against one another.

Austin's path to the final has been highly dramatic, to say the least. All the way back in the round of 32, they trailed second-tier El Paso Locomotive, 2-0, only to score three late goals to advance. The Verde needed a 115th-minute goal to force penalty kicks in a quarterfinal battle with the San Jose Earthquakes, and booked their place in the final on a goal in the 120th minute of a 2-1 extra time victory at Minnesota United.

Nashville's run has not been quite as dramatic, though like Austin they overturned a two-goal deficit at one point, roaring back to knock off D.C. United, 5-2 in the quarterfinals. Nashville made a statement by defeating the Philadelphia Union — who are the current favorites to win the MLS Supporters' Shield — 3-1 in a semifinal contest last month.

Interestingly, both teams are managed by first-year coaches who worked as assistants to former U.S. men's national team head coach Gregg Berhalter. Nico Estévez, who worked with the USMNT from 2019-21, has helmed Austin to a 12W-8D-11L record in MLS play, with the club on the brink of clinching an MLS playoff spot despite scoring just 34 goals (fewest in the Western Conference).

Nashville has had attacking success since B.J. Callaghan — who worked under Berhalter with the USMNT for five years, and managed the team on an interim basis in 2023 — took over in July 2024. Attacking duo Sam Surridge (who had 14 goals in 37 total appearances in 2023-24) and Hany Mukhtar have combined for 38 goals and 16 assists, while Nashville has booked one of the Eastern Conference's nine playoff spots.

Here's how to watch the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final between Austin FC and Nashville SC:

U.S. Open Cup final 2025: Time, TV channel and how to watch Austin FC vs. Nashville SC

  • Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • Location: Q2 Stadium (Austin, Texas)
  • TV: CBS Sports Network
  • Stream: Paramount+, Fubo

Watch the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final on Fubo (free trial)

US Open Cup winners: Tournament champions since 1996

  • 2024: Los Angeles FC
  • 2023: Houston Dynamo
  • 2022: Orlando City SC
  • 2021: No tournament (COVID-19 pandemic)
  • 2020: No tournament (COVID-19 pandemic)
  • 2019: Atlanta United
  • 2018: Houston Dynamo
  • 2017: Sporting Kansas City
  • 2016: FC Dallas
  • 2015: Sporting Kansas City
  • 2014: Seattle Sounders FC
  • 2013: D.C. United
  • 2012: Sporting Kansas City
  • 2011: Seattle Sounders FC
  • 2010: Seattle Sounders FC
  • 2009: Seattle Sounders FC
  • 2008: D.C. United
  • 2007: New England Revolution
  • 2006: Chicago Fire
  • 2005: LA Galaxy
  • 2004: Kansas City Wizards
  • 2003: Chicago Fire
  • 2002: Columbus Crew
  • 2001: LA Galaxy
  • 2000: Chicago Fire
  • 1999: Rochester Rhinos (A-League/USL)
  • 1998: Chicago Fire
  • 1997: Dallas Burn
  • 1996: D.C. United

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: U.S. Open Cup final 2025 time, where to watch Austin FC vs. Nashville SC

Reporting by Jason Anderson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect