Austin FC Battles Nashville SC for U.S. Open Cup Glory: Final Showdown Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
A historic moment awaits one team on Wednesday evening, as Nashville SC face Austin FC in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup championship match with the silverware, monetary rewards, and a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup at stake.
The nation's oldest soccer competition will crown a maiden champion as both teams seek their inaugural major title. Nashville previously reached the 2023 Leagues Cup championship game, where they were defeated by Inter Miami during Lionel Messi's early days in Major League Soccer. For Austin FC, this encounter marks their debut appearance in a final throughout their franchise history.
With such significant stakes on Wednesday, here's your complete guide to the U.S. Open Cup championship match.
When Does Austin FC vs. Nashville SC Begin?
Austin FC vs. Nashville SC Historical Matchups
Recent Performance (All Competitions)
Austin FC | Nashville SC |
|---|---|
Real Salt Lake 3–1 Austin FC - 9/27/25 | Nashville SC 3–1 Houston Dynamo - 9/27/25 |
Austin FC 2–1 Seattle Sounders - 9/21/25 | Orlando City SC 3–2 Nashville SC - 9/20/25 |
Minnesota United 1–2 Austin FC - 9/17/25 | Nashville SC 3–1 Philadelphia Union - 9/16/25 |
FC Dallas 2–0 Austin FC - 9/13/25 | FC Cincinnati 2–1 Nashville SC - 9/13/25 |
Sporting Kansas City 1–2 Austin FC - 9/7/25 | Nashville SC 0–1 Atlanta United - 8/30/25 |
Where to Watch, Stream Austin FC vs. Nashville SC - U.S. Open Cup Championship
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States | CBS Sports Golazo, Paramount+ |
Austin FC Squad Updates
Austin FC enter this major championship having navigated a tournament that began with a narrow escape, securing a 3–2 triumph over USL Championship outfit El Paso Locomotive.
Following that Round of 32 encounter, the path hasn't been straightforward either. They dominated Houston Dynamo FC with a convincing 3–1 quarterfinal victory, but required a penalty shootout to overcome San Jose Earthquakes in the quarterfinals, before achieving an impressive 2–1 semifinal triumph over Minnesota United.
Having previously reached only the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference championship in 2022, progressing to compete in a title-deciding fixture represents a major milestone for the organization. However, inaugural head coach Nico Estévez hopes there's one final hurdle to overcome.
"Having the chance to deliver a maiden trophy to this organization means everything—not just to the club but our supporters, the squad, the coaching staff," Estévez stated. "Everyone connected to the team, everyone in our community, everyone who supports us. I understand that in this instance, Austin as a city stands behind us. It would be incredibly meaningful."
Los Verdes will likely depend on the attacking triumvirate of Owen Wolff, Myrto Uzuni and Osman Bukari to spearhead their offense, while counting on experienced and recent MLS All-Star keeper Brad Stuver between the posts.
Simultaneously, 21-year-old CJ Fodrey aims to maintain his impressive form, having delivered a crucial contribution as a penalty shootout approached in the semifinal against the Loons.
Regarding injuries, Austin will be without Mikkel Desler and forward Brandon Vázquez, who remains sidelined for the season's remainder with a knee problem.
Austin FC Expected Starting XI vs Nashville SC
Austin FC Expected Starting XI vs Nashville SC (3-4-2-1): Stuver; Đorđević, Cascante, Hines-Ike; Fodrey, Sánchez, Pereira, Kolmanič; Wolff, Bukari, Uzuni
Nashville SC Squad Updates
Nashville SC approach this match carrying not only the weight of capturing the club's inaugural trophy, but Tennessee's first as well.
Although the state has previously come close through the relative achievements of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, the NHL's Nashville Predators, and the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, all have ultimately fallen short of championship glory, providing Nashville an opportunity for sporting history within the state.
For Nashville, however, this cup championship arrives during a challenging period of results. They have secured victory just twice in their previous eight matches, losing some of the drive that had positioned them as MLS Cup candidates earlier this campaign.
They remain a formidable opponent though, and will depend on stars Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge to fuel their success, with the pair combining for 38 goals in MLS regular-season action.
Additionally, their manager B.J. Callaghan previously guided the U.S. men's national team to the 2023 Concacaf Nations League championship in a temporary role.
To reach the title match, Nashville had to survive a narrow 1–0 victory over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in the Round of 32, before successfully navigating past fellow MLS sides Orlando City, D.C. United and Philadelphia Union.
"I believe the Open Cup has highlighted how we are a genuine team throughout our entire roster," Callaghan remarked. "We have numerous players who have contributed to this journey, pivotal moments in this campaign. And that's what makes this tournament special, you're going to rely on everyone."
Nashville will be without Ahmed Qasem, Jonathan Pérez, Julian Gaines, Taylor Washington and Wyatt Meyer due to injuries, while Matthew Corcoran is away representing the U.S. at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Nashville SC Expected Starting XI vs. Austin FC
Nashville SC Expected Starting XI vs. Austin FC (4-3-3): Willis; Nájar, Maher, Palacios, Lovitz; Tagseth, Yazbek, Muyl; Mukhtar, Surridge, Shaffelburg
Austin FC vs. Nashville SC Match Prediction
Austin FC will enjoy home field advantage in this encounter, but Nashville SC's match-winning quality through Mukhtar and Surridge might prove decisive when everything is on the line in a championship final.
This contest could easily extend to a penalty shootout for resolution, but we're selecting Nashville SC to emerge victorious and claim their state's first-ever professional sports title.
Prediction: Austin FC 1–2 Nashville SC