US Open Cup 2025: Chicago Fire vs Detroit City – UK Viewing Guide

The 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup reaches an exciting Round of 32 clash on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with Chicago Fire facing Detroit City. For football fans in the UK, live coverage of this American cup fixture is available via Paramount+, the streaming service holding the rights in the United States. The match kicks off at 01:00 UK time, early Thursday morning, allowing British supporters to catch all the action fresh from SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Broadcast and Commentary Team

Paramount+ will stream the game live, featuring an expert commentary lineup to enhance the viewing experience. The main commentator for the match is Michael Wottreng, with Chelsea Cabracas providing co-commentary insights.

Michael Wottreng is a respected voice in American soccer broadcasting, known for his articulate play-by-play narration and deep understanding of the sport. His experience includes covering Major League Soccer and other US soccer competitions, bringing clarity and excitement to the game for viewers.

Chelsea Cabracas, the co-commentator, complements the broadcast with tactical analysis and player insights. She has built a reputation for her sharp football intellect and ability to break down complex plays into understandable commentary, making the match accessible and engaging.

Match Background and Stakes

This fixture pits Chicago Fire, a Major League Soccer team with a proud history and four US Open Cup titles, against Detroit City FC, one of the rising teams making its mark in the tournament. Chicago Fire is chasing a fifth crown to bolster their standing among the US Open Cup's most successful clubs.

Detroit City FC arrives in Bridgeview on the back of a gritty 2-2 draw against Indy Eleven, with goals from Connor Rutz and Darren Smith showcasing their attacking threat. They advanced to the Round of 32 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Westchester SC, a USL League One side. The club has made it to this stage three times in the last four seasons, reflecting their consistent competitive edge.

How to Watch in the UK

While Paramount+ holds exclusive streaming rights in the US, UK viewers interested in following US Open Cup fixtures may have limited direct access to this platform without a VPN. At present, the tournament is not widely broadcast on traditional UK channels like BBC, ITV, or Sky Sports. However, highlights and reports are often covered by football news outlets and on US Soccer’s official website.

Fans looking for detailed US Open Cup updates can also follow official team sites and specialised football coverage portals for post-match analysis and player interviews.

Further Information

• More on Chicago Fire FC and their history in US soccer can be found on the official Chicago Fire website.
• Detroit City FC's journey and club news are detailed at their official club site.
• The US Open Cup competition details and schedule are available on the US Soccer website.

This Round of 32 match promises an intriguing clash of ambition and grit, highlighted by skilled commentary that will bring the best of US soccer to life for those lucky enough to watch.