Audi Field in Washington, D.C., the home of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, will host the 46th installment of the Secretaries’ Cup football game on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Kickoff of the storied rivalry between the United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy is scheduled for 1 p.m. (ET).
Tickets for the 2026 Secretaries’ Cup will go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. (ET).
This year’s Secretaries’ Cup will be played in the heart of our nation’s capital, home to both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of the Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Department of Transportation which oversees the Merchant Marine Academy. The setting provides a unique opportunity to showcase the missions of both federal service academies in the city where their parent departments are headquartered.
“This year the Coast Guard Academy proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary alongside our nation’s 250th. Bringing this storied service academy rivalry to Audi Field in our Nation’s Capital provides an unparalleled stage to highlight the drive and determination of our cadet and midshipmen athletes—future leaders who stand ready to safeguard our homeland and defend our maritime interests around the globe,” said USCGA Superintendent Rear Adm. Greg Rothrock.
The announcement follows the success of the first-ever Secretaries’ Cup played at a neutral site in 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston. That contest produced a dramatic 39-38 Mariner victory, highlighted by a game-winning fourth-quarter touchdown drive in the closing seconds. The thriller was later recognized by ESPN as the No. 69 game among all NCAA football games played during the 2025 season.
The 2026 Secretaries’ Cup will also serve as part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. With Washington, D.C. serving as the centerpiece of commemorations surrounding America250 and Sail250, the game will highlight the enduring role of the nation’s Coast Guard and Merchant Marine services in supporting the country’s national security, economic prosperity and global leadership. The matchup provides a fitting stage to recognize 250 years of American maritime strength, service and leadership.
“On behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, we are proud to take part in the 2026 Secretaries’ Cup at Audi Field in our nation’s capital.” said Coast Guard Academy Athletic Director Dr. Dan Rose. “This game represents far more than competition—it showcases the shared commitment, discipline, and leadership that define our cadets as future officers. Playing in Washington, D.C., on November 14 adds a powerful sense of purpose, connecting our cadets, alums and “Bear Nation” with the broader mission they are preparing to serve. We look forward to a spirited contest and to showcasing the excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication of Coast Guard Athletics on this national stage.”
Merchant Marine and Coast Guard first met on the football field in 1949, with the schools playing nine times before the Secretaries’ Cup was established in 1981. The 2026 matchup will mark the 54th meeting all-time and the 46th game contested for the Secretaries’ Cup trophy. USMMA holds a 37-16 advantage in the all-time series and owns a 30-14 record in Secretaries’ Cup competition.
“We are very excited about the game being played at Audi Field in Washington DC.” said Bears Head Coach C.C. Grant. “It’s been about six years since we have played a game in DC and Coast Guard Fans have always come out and supported us when we played down there against Catholic University.” continued Grant. “Definitely looking forward to playing in our nation’s capital.”
“Audi Field is proud to host the 2026 Secretaries’ Cup and we are thrilled to continue to showcase the venue as a hub for major sporting events throughout the DMV,” said Danita Johnson, D.C. United President of Business Operations. “As part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Secretaries’ Cup offers a meaningful way to honor those who serve while creating a memorable experience for all attendees.”
The original announcement can be found here.
