South Korea's National Cup moves on from a mostly quiet opening, where the few played ties only trimmed the field while the bigger names waited. Holders YooSin 태권도 return with last season’s 3:0 final win over fc olleh still giving the competition its main thread.
This round offers no major direct clash, so the focus is on avoiding carelessness. fc olleh and Andong Mackerels both arrive perfect in the league, while Yeongjongdo Island and Swans FC enter after their 1:1 draw kept the league picture interesting.
Chinese Cup moves past its quiet opening, where only a few ties were played and the wider field mostly took shape by bye. Holders lanxingxing return with last season’s 4:1 final win over xiaotian-inter still setting the standard.
The next round offers no direct heavyweight clash, so control is the main demand. xiaotian-inter and baobeiqiqi arrive from strong league wins, while Sydney Warriors and Tongzhou Lions both need clean cup progress after their latest league meeting tightened the chasing pack.
Thai Cup moves on from a quiet opening, where only a few ties were played and Uttaradit Blades, Nakhon Pathom Hunter and tragredy giggolo supplied the loud scorelines.
The next round has no major direct clash, so the focus is on control. Holders Nongneng begin against DoRtmound bVb9, while Area6ten9okini. carry perfect league form into their tie. Uttaradit Blades also face an interesting check against unbeaten second-tier side Gunner_Jr.
Eesti Karikas has already shed plenty of names, but the main favourites are still safely in the draw. Holders FC Õieke continue their defence after last season’s 3:1 final win over Football Club Tallinna Ariel, while Black Mount FC, JK LÕVID and Jumalad all remain in the hunt.
The round’s clear feature is FC Tip-Top against FC Palupera. FC Tip-Top bring top-flight status, but FC Palupera arrive perfect in Div. 1.2 and scoring freely, making this the tie most likely to test the hierarchy early.
Miesten Suomen cup moves on from a mostly quiet opening, with only a few played ties before the bigger names entered the draw. Holders Sudet return after last season’s 3:0 final win over Universe, though their league chase already has pressure after an early defeat.
This round offers no direct heavyweight clash, so control is the theme. Leaders FC Kuusysi face Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi, while Sudet, Pyölin pyllistys and FC Rising Force all need clean progress before the draw sharpens.
Latvia's National cup has already cut through a busy field, with holders Lauki still carrying last season’s 2:1 final win over A J Bramlett. Their league form remains spotless too, so the defence starts from a strong place.
The round’s clear spotlight tie is Admirals FC against FC Veltins. Admirals FC lead 1. līga Rietumi perfectly and have been ruthless in the cup, but FC Veltins are unbeaten near the top of Virslīga. This is a real hierarchy check.
LFF Taure now brings the broader field into play, after Agrastai and FC Mazeikiu ROMAR supplied the loudest scorelines in the small group of played openers.
Holders RFS begin their defence after last season’s 3:2 final win over Jurbarko FK Lūšis, while both sides now sit near the top of A lyga again. With no major direct clash this round, the pressure is simply on RFS, Jurbarko FK Lūšis, Futbolo Klubas Ekranas and Benski šou to keep the draw orderly.
Cluj’s Exit Opens the Door as Romania’s Heavyweights Face a Busy Cup Round
The Cupa României reaches a busier and more dangerous stage after a previous round that already removed one of the biggest league names. Apulum stunned Universitatea Cluj1:0, and their reward is another serious test against ACS MGC. With Nicolae Nosa among the leading scorers in the competition, Apulum now look like one of the lower-division sides with genuine momentum rather than a one-result story.
The holders, Abatorul Slobozia, survived a much tighter assignment, edging Clubul Sportiv al Armatei2:1. They now face Olimpia Rasnov, while several other Divizia A sides have awkward draws of their own. F.C.PRETOR meet SSU Politehnica Timisoara, VITEZISTII4S™ face Dunărea Galati, FC Univ. Craiova take on PiLos, and Navigator visit F.C. Juventus Colentina. None of those ties look like simple formalities, especially with several lower-level opponents carrying heavy scoring records into the round.
AFC Atletico Mangalia also deserve attention after beating C A Independiente2:1 last round. Their match against Borussia VfL Dormund is one of the more interesting level-one-against-level-three pairings, particularly because Borussia came through a dramatic extra-time win over F.C. Petrolul Ploiesti. Soimii I.P.A. Sibiu against Ripensia Femina has similar upset-watch value, with Ripensia already showing they can handle strong cup opposition.
Elsewhere, BONDARII against Pisculesti, RIVER. against F.C. COLENTINA, Juris against AFC Ripensia Iasi, and FC OȚELUL GALAȚI against FC Bistrita - Severin should help sort out which third-tier contenders are real threats. With Ciprian Dumitru, Nicolae Afrim, Arnaldo Estrela and Dennis Frost still setting a ferocious scoring pace, Romania’s cup remains as chaotic as ever.
Kupa e Shqipërisë now moves from the first trim into the wider draw, after FC ZY-NA and Albanian Eagles F.C. supplied the loudest early wins.
Holders Jezerca FC return with last season’s 3:2 final victory over Stratiots still fresh, and they arrive unbeaten in the league again. With no major direct clash this round, the pressure is on Jezerca FC, Venator Academy FC and DREAM F.C to avoid drama before the cup draw starts placing the leading names in each other’s path.
Premier Sides Face Awkward Cup Tests as Championship Clash Takes Spotlight
The English National Cup reaches a sharper stage with four ties between competitive sides, and the most intriguing may be Southfield United against Phantom Force FC. Southfield have already shown cup power with a 27:1 win over Diao FC, while Phantom Force answered with a clean 14:0 victory over Metrostars FC. The level gap favours the Premiership side, but Southfield’s Championship form and scoring depth make this far from a routine draw.
crystal palace f.c also carry top-flight status into an uncomfortable match against Ghetto Squad. Palace are still struggling in the English Premiership, but their cup run has been far more convincing, including a 29:0 demolition of Coventry city. Ghetto Squad, meanwhile, arrive from a dominant 16:0 win over FCTWINS and have enough attacking threat to punish any hesitation.
The biggest upset watch is probably Backa Topola against Atletico De Madrid. Backa are only a third-level side, but their league record is perfect and their cup form has been ruthless, with a 12:0 win in the previous round. Atletico, last season’s beaten finalists, remain a dangerous name, though their Premiership start has been uneven and this is not the kind of opponent they can coast past.
The all-Championship meeting between Hammersmith and The Golden Wonders should be the most balanced tie on paper. Hammersmith have been steadier in the league, but Golden Wonders’ 12:0 cup win over Salford newbies FC suggests they arrive with momentum. Elsewhere, holders Gravediggers begin another defence against Avengers FC, while Beringen United Mightyred face Harambee Stars in another tie worth watching.
The Irish Cup gets its first real shake-up after a first round dominated by byes, and three ties immediately stand out. Knockea United against Irish Villa Mob is the headline: Villa arrive as the only perfect side in the Premier Division, while Knockea sit fourth and have already shown they can keep matches tight. With both clubs in the top four, this looks more like a late-round test than an early cup hurdle.
Hibernia also face a familiar top-flight danger in SportingHaroldsCross. Hibernia have started stronger in the league and just beat Red Forest 3:2, but SportingHaroldsCross reached last season’s semifinal and have enough cup pedigree to make this awkward despite their slow domestic start.
The all-Championship B meeting between Risin1916 and Irish Knights may be just as explosive. Irish Knights are perfect after five league matches, while Risin1916 have scored even more. One strong second-tier contender is leaving early.
W czwartej rundzie dojdzie do kilku pasjonujących pojedynków.
Hitem będzie spotkanie dwóch drużyn z Ekstraklasy. Stal Mielec podejmie KS Mosquito Zabrze. Obie drużyny znajdują się w lekkim ligowym kryzysie, dlatego Puchar Polski może być dla nich szansą na odskocznię i odzyskanie dobrej formy. Czy obrońca tytułu z poprzedniego sezonu pokona głodną sukcesów Stal? To może być również mecz bramkarzy – który z nich poprowadzi swoją drużynę do kolejnej rundy? Trudno wskazać zdecydowanego faworyta. Eksperci delikatnie stawiają na zespół z Zabrza, ale Puchar Polski i deszczowa pogoda to mieszanka, która może doprowadzić do kilku niespodzianek.
W innym ciekawym meczu czeka nas pojedynek drugoligowców. Black Bees United podejmie Panteras Gliwice CF. Faworytem tego spotkania jest lider drugiej ligi, grupy 2 – Pantery. Oloolo z pewnością jednak tanio skóry nie sprzeda.
W kolejnym spotkaniu trzecioligowa Drużyna z Pewexu zmierzy się z beniaminkiem Ekstraklasy, WUJEK TEAM™. Faworytem będzie Wujek, ale Pewex potrafi sprawić niespodziankę.
Lider Ekstraklasy zawita na Goodison Park Siro, gdzie zmierzy się z drugoligowym FC Livinterus. Faworyt tego spotkania jest znany, ale być może drużyna Pana Magistra Buki pokusi się o pokrzyżowanie planów Zagiemu.
Czeka nas wiele emocji w tej rundzie!
Polish Cup – Round 4!
The fourth round will feature several thrilling clashes.
The headline fixture will see two Ekstraklasa sides go head-to-head. Stal Mielec will host KS Mosquito Zabrze. Both teams are going through a slight league crisis, so the Polish Cup offers them a chance to put their league struggles aside and regain their form. Can the defending champions overcome a hungry Stal side eager for success? This could also be a battle of goalkeepers – which one will lead his team into the next round? It is difficult to name a clear favourite. The experts slightly favour the side from Zabrze, but the Polish Cup and rainy weather could be a combination that produces a few surprises.
Another interesting fixture will see two Second Division teams face each other. Black Bees United will host Panteras Gliwice CF. The favourites are the Group 2 Second Division leaders, Panteras, but Oloolo certainly will not make things easy for them.
In another match, third-tier side Drużyna z Pewexu will take on Ekstraklasa newcomers WUJEK TEAM™. Wujek will be the favourite, but Pewex are capable of causing an upset.
Ekstraklasa leaders GialloRossi Wilkowice will visit Goodison Park Siro, where they will face Second Division side FC Livinterus. The favourite is clear, but perhaps Pan Magister Buka's team can upset the plans of Zagi.
Scotland's National cup now opens into a fuller draw after a brief first cut, where Scottish fc, Ronnys Roarers and Stirling Bridge supplied the clearest early scorelines.
Holders Celtic return with last season’s extra-time final win over Kirn FC still the main cup memory, though their league start has already been uneven. With no major direct clash this round, the pressure is mostly on control: Huntly FC, Wallace Army F.C, Bingolspor FC and Macduff Lions all need clean progress before the draw begins to bite.
Holders Face Barcelona as Serbia’s Cup Draw Loads Up the Upset Watch
The Kup Srbije has reached a round packed with dangerous cross-level ties, and the holders will not get an easy ride. FK Hajduk Sydney 06', last season’s cup winners, visit FC Barcelona in one of the standout matches of the draw. Hajduk are back near the top of the Superliga and came through the previous cup round with a clean 10:0 win, but Barcelona have been almost flawless in the third tier and have scored heavily in both league and cup.
The current Superliga leaders, Shooting Stars SC, also face a tricky away tie against Macross United F.C.. Shooting Stars have started the league strongly and won 20:0 in the last cup round, but Macross have already shown enough scoring power to make this more than a routine level-two-versus-level-one meeting. Roundabout have a similarly awkward draw against Marcos FMC, who may be struggling in the league but have already produced big cup wins.
Belgrade City travel to FC Kordun after their emphatic league win over F.C. Mali Supermeni, while Supermeni themselves host FK Srpski Orlovi. That tie has clear upset potential: Supermeni have top-flight status, but Srpski Orlovi have been scoring freely and sit high in their third-tier group.
There is also depth beyond the Superliga names. Raspad United against FC Argo Sladoled Sombor and AC Milan MastinoMan against Spacer 2006 are balanced second-tier ties, while Vitezovi1389 against Petrova Gora, Real RK against Краљевина Србија, and Krajišnici against Fk Bregalnica should help reveal which third-tier scorers can survive a tougher cup test.
The draw is done, the tea is brewing, and the predictions are locked in! Here is our witty breakdown for the standout Turkish Cup 5th Round fixtures:
🔥 Super Lig Giants & Giant Killers
🔥 Galatasaray.Sk vs. GÖNENSPOR
Analysis: Absolutely the most intense fixture of the round! Sitting 7th in the Super Lig, Galatasaray.Sk hosts the reigning champion GÖNENSPOR. The home side brings that classic "we own this cup" attitude, but they face a giant keen on defending its crown. Expect stadium decibels to break records—if it goes to extra time, nobody will have any fingernails left!
🎲 Balkesspor vs. aşağıakın
Analysis: Nostalgia week is here! Former champions Balkesspor take on high-flying aşağıakın, who currently sit 3rd in the league. Whoever edges out a narrow win here sends a massive statement to the rest of the league. A true coin-toss match that will keep fans guessing until the final whistle.
😎 Göztepe vs. Nazillispor
Analysis: Fresh off slamming 4 goals past the league leaders last week, Göztepe enters this clash against 3rd Division side Nazillispor with sky-high morale. Nazillispor’s only shot is playing with ultimate "nothing to lose" freedom. Unless Göztepe completely drops their focus, they should comfortably cruise into the next round.
⚡ AYDINSPOR vs. umut&utku kardeşler fc
Analysis: Title-chasing Aydınspor welcomes their lower-tier opposition. Despite the cozy "Brothers FC" name, the visitors will likely need to build a defensive fortress to survive. Expect Aydınspor to push hard early and try to wrap this one up before halftime.
⚔️ Lower Division Derbies
🧠 SOMB vs. konyagücü
Analysis: A proper 3rd Division derby where green-and-white Konyagücü seeks an away upset. Both teams know each other inside out, so expect a tight tactical chess match rather than a wild goal-fest.
🎯 GALATASARAY vs. kuyucak gençlerbirliği
Analysis: In another 3rd Division red-and-yellow derby, the hosts will look to lock down their opponents, while Kuyucak lurks for counter-attacking chances. A high-stakes showdown where a single mistake will prove costly.
🎬 NoirAigle Futbol Klub vs. Sinematografik Ataklar
Analysis: Black-and-white NoirAigle aims to show off its 2nd Division pedigree against their yellow-and-navy rivals. Sinematografik Ataklar will want to script a movie-worthy comeback, but the home defense looks ready to spoil the plot.
🟡 HASAN FC vs. Manyasspor
Analysis: Two yellow-and-navy sides face off to settle who wears the colors better. Home advantage will be crucial as HASAN FC tries to disrupt Manyasspor’s rhythm early on.
🥊 Kocaelispor vs. Akköseli_Gençlik
Analysis: Gulf side Kocaelispor hosts claret-and-blue Akköseli_Gençlik in a battle of two physical 3rd Division squads. Expect a fierce midfield war and 90 minutes of pure intensity.
🦁 FENERBAHÇE SKOR KULÜBÜ vs. BLACK LİON
Analysis: A clash between two sides chasing the top spot in their respective 3rd Division groups. "Skor Kulübü" will push to keep the scoreboard busy, while Black Lion looks to sink its claws into an away win. High potential for a goal-heavy game.
🛡️ Battle of Ambition & Prestige
💪 Sarıgöl Gençlerbirliği vs. KuzeyEfee FK
Analysis: Mid-table Super Lig side Sarıgöl enters as heavy favorites against KuzeyEfee FK, who are desperate to escape the lower division slump. The visitors will treat the cup as a stage to boost morale and prove themselves.
🌪️ Kuruderespor vs. kasırga
Analysis: Promotion-chasing 2nd Division side Kuruderespor aims to calm the "Storm" (Kasırga) coming from the 3rd Division. While Kasırga wants to blow the roof off, the host's squad quality puts them in the driver's seat.
🐢 Tortuga vs. DEMIREL.F.C.
Analysis: Claret-and-blue 3rd Division outfit Tortuga aims to pull off an upset against higher-tier opposition. Don't expect a slow tortoise pace—Tortuga will likely launch a shock early blitz to catch DEMIREL off guard.
🦁 hacettepeliaslanlar vs. kapan6spor
Analysis: The red-and-yellow Lions host a red-and-black kapan6spor side fighting for the top spot in their group. While the visitors arrive in better form, cup atmosphere always gives home sides that extra spark.
⏳ AKINCILAR-1453 vs. Katırcı Futbol Kulübü
Analysis: Nostalgic 2nd Division team AKINCILAR-1453 seeks a comfortable win over green-and-yellow Katırcı FK to recapture their former glory. Katırcı FK, however, relies on gritty stubbornness to try and push the match into extra time.
Kup BiH has already churned through three busy cuts, with plenty of heavy scorelines before the top-flight names were pulled closer together. Holders FC Peacocks almighty remain the reference point after last season’s 3:0 final win over FK Ljiljan.
The round’s clear direct tie is Dinny against FK Sarajevo 1946. FK Sarajevo 1946 already edged that league meeting 3:2 and now sit top, while Dinny need the cup to change the tone of a difficult start.
Final Rematch Headlines a Dangerous Croatian Cup Round
The Hrvatski Kup gets one of its best possible early storylines as Hedgehogs meet Fight United Elite in a repeat of last season’s final. Fight won that thriller 4:3 and return as holders, but this is a very different kind of test: away from home, against a strong second-level side that already beat fclegends9:0 in the previous round. Fight’s own 3:0 win over Pilot was quieter, but their cup pedigree makes them the side everyone still has to measure themselves against.
West Herzegowina UTD FC, the current Prva HNL leaders, also face a meaningful away tie at Smokvica NK. West have been ruthless enough in both league and cup, including a 12:0 win over Kvatric ZG, but Smokvica come in with a 10:0 cup result of their own and should not be treated like a routine obstacle.
The lower-division pairings may be just as revealing. Lupa against FK Makarska brings together two sides who hit huge scores in the last round, with Lupa beating FC Real Madrid19:0 and Makarska handling NK Slavonac Komletinci17:0. BiPieM against NK Traverza has a similar feel: BiPieM’s 23:0 win over FC Stinica was emphatic, but Traverza have been perfect in their third-tier group and already look like one of the sharper cup threats.
Galija Trešnjevka and FK Rudar Kakanj may produce the most explosive tie of all. Galija scored 17 last round, Rudar scored 21, and both have players near the top of the scoring charts. For a round with only five highlighted competitive ties, Croatia has still managed to pack in a final rematch, two serious top-flight danger games, and several genuine lower-tier shootouts.
Czech Supercup now brings the broader field into play, after MyRacingCareer supplied the loudest first-round win and the main names moved through without strain.
Holders RC Victoria Moravia return after last season’s 1:0 final win over FC Romulus, and they arrive in perfect league form alongside F.C. Viktoria Plzen. With no major direct clash this round, the pressure is simple: RC Victoria Moravia, F.C. Viktoria Plzen, FC Romulus and FK Chrudim need to keep the draw clean before tougher tests arrive.
Germany’s Vereinspokal moves beyond a bye-heavy opening round with one obvious headline: Forest Club against FK Leotar München. The two sit side by side in the Bundesliga on ten points, and Forest already beat Leotar 2:0 in the league earlier this month. Leotar answered that setback with a 3:0 win over FC Passau, while Forest were edged 1:0 by leaders Kicker der Kokosnuss, so this cup tie arrives with both form and revenge angles attached.
There is also recent cup weight on both sides. Forest and Leotar each reached last season’s quarterfinals before falling narrowly, which makes this feel far more like a late-round match than a round-two draw.
The other listed tie sends BLUE LIONS against Wacker Reinickendorf in an all-2.Bundesliga B meeting. BLUE LIONS have started much better in the league, but Wacker get a rare early chance to turn a slow campaign into a cup story.
Slovak Cup now shifts from a light first cut into a wider draw, after Spišské Párky TJ, CR 7, FC Adento and Preglejky Konštantínopol claimed the only played openers.
Holders MB footbal club begin their defence after last season’s 2:0 final win over FC Soldiers, and both are already sitting inside a tight Super Liga chase. With no major direct cup clash this round, the focus is on keeping order: SC Bianconeri, FC Soldiers, FC Jezury Sered, Spartak Trnava FC and MB footbal club all have to avoid turning routine-looking ties into unwanted headlines.
Slovenia’s Cup Draw Serves Up a Full Round of Traps
The Slovenski Državni Pokal has reached a round where the fixture list is almost overloaded with dangerous ties. With so many matches between competitive sides, the top-flight clubs will have little room for routine rotation, especially after last season’s cup showed how quickly the draw can turn: FC Soccer Academy Red Bull beat Olimpija 1911 in the final, while Leicester City F.C., Grosuplje Dreamteam, fc david and Alkosi i drogeraši all reached the last-eight stage.
The clearest headline is probably Manchester United FC against Grosuplje Dreamteam. Grosuplje Dreamteam are currently third in the Prva SNL, but Manchester United have already shown cup scoring power and bring second-level danger into the tie. Grosuplje United FC have a similar problem against HNK Hajduk Split, while ozo real madrid hosting league leaders Borussia Dortmund is another match where the favourite cannot simply assume control.
F.C.Barcelona. against FC Bears and Inter Miami CF against FC Scary Gorca give the round two more first-versus-third-tier tests. Barcelona have been inconsistent in the league, so a meeting with a side that scored heavily in earlier cup rounds has clear upset potential. Inter Miami, still searching for stability, may face an even sharper examination.
The lower-division draw is just as crowded. Real Moste C.F. against Barcelona is a strong second-tier clash, while fc david against FC Harvest and Specialka team against AS Radgona should be tight on paper. Deeper down, Rogatec10 against Olimpija Lj, NK Hajdoše against Osilnica United, NK Markovci against FUNatiki™ F. Club, and Vrazja N. Druscina against LaFabrica all look like proper form tests rather than filler. Slovenia’s cup rarely lacks chaos, and this round has enough balanced ties to deliver it early.
Belgium’s National Cup has already thinned a huge field, and three ties now give the round a sharper edge. The headline is Fc Bijou against Sasboys, an all-Eerste Klasse meeting between sides separated by only one point. Bijou remain unbeaten in the league and have already beaten SC Betekom since drawing 2:2 with Sasboys, but Sasboys arrive boosted by a 2:1 win over YPRES FC and a wild 32:0 cup win last round.
The second-tier draw also offers two strong matchups. CA Boca Juniors face Forza Gellik after both produced huge cup scorelines, with Teodor Chivescu and Marley Goffe already high among the scorers. Forza have the better league start, but Boca’s cup attack has been impossible to ignore.
Racing White Daring Molenbeek against SV Swaffelternineffe is another 2de Klasse A test, with Swaffelternineffe better placed in the table and both sides capable of making this round uncomfortable.
Pokalturneringen now moves on with the favourites largely separated, so the best story still comes from the previous round. Ishøj Soccer Club turned the one obvious danger tie into a 5:0 statement win over Lykking, a result that looks far stronger than the scoreline alone because Lykking arrived flying from 1. Division A, with 72 league goals and a 16:0 cup win already behind them.
Instead, Ishøj Soccer Club made the gap look clear and protected their place as the early league leaders to watch. This round offers no similar direct clash, so the focus returns to control: holders Borsholm-Skibstrup IF continue their defence, while Ishøj Soccer Club, Insomniac FC, Sørby IF and Lambavík Bóltfelag all need to avoid making the draw interesting for the wrong reasons.
Saubusse and Clairefontaine Face Tricky Cup Tests as Lower-Tier Scorers Circle
The Coupe de France moves into a round with several genuinely sharp ties, and the most eye-catching top-flight danger game is Dadasport against Olympique de Saubusse. Saubusse exploded through the previous round with a 24:0 win over JSELBIAR, but their league start has been uneven, and Dadasport arrive unbeaten in their group and fresh from a tight 1:0 cup win over Olympique Bourg-Fodong. That mix makes this more than a simple level-one assignment.
Fc Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, currently top of LIGUE 1, have an even stranger test away to Light Factor FC. Clairefontaine looked ruthless in the last cup round, beating FC.Grizzly18:0, and followed it with a strong league win over US Warlaing. Light Factor are lower down the pyramid, but they have already won twice without conceding in the cup, so the leaders still need a professional performance.
The strongest all-second-level ties may be Romeus Roy against AS Air Force and FC Grenoble against bulle bulle. Romeus were spectacular last round, demolishing Monaco30:0, while AS Air Force answered with a 15:0 win over FC Dragons Rouges. Grenoble’s 30:0 win over F.C.PATER and bulle bulle’s 21:0 victory over gwada fc suggest another tie where the score could turn quickly if either side loses control.
There is plenty below them too. La Squadra Azzurra meet Void Nebula after both posted huge cup wins, while Mikanissa face a perfect Cara team. SAINT QUENTIN EN YVELINES against Nikaïa F.C should be one of the best third-tier duels, and Les Brutasses against Gunny FC gives a struggling league side a difficult chance to turn cup form into something more convincing. With last season’s finalists already absent from the headline ties, this round feels wide open for a new contender to announce itself.
Il Circolino begin their Coppa Italia defence with an awkward tie against MoVeN'torZ FC. The holders are unbeaten in Serie A and just edged AC Asti 1:0, but MoVeN'torZ have started well in Serie B-2 and sit close to the promotion pace. For a side that lifted last season’s cup with a 4:0 final win, this is exactly the kind of early round where reputation alone will not be enough.
The other headline is all-Serie A: Navigli UTD against FC Umana Reyer. Umana are still unbeaten in the league, though three draws from five matches show how often their games stay tight. Navigli, last season’s beaten semifinalists, have been less steady and arrive from a 2:1 defeat to AC Vitasana.
With most of the draw still packed with level gaps, these two ties carry the round’s main bite.
The Nacionalni kup Crne Gore moves on from its bye-heavy opening round with three ties carrying most of the intrigue. Defending cup winners Nottingham Forest FC begin against Mornar, and the level gap may not tell the whole story. Nottingham lifted last season’s trophy by beating OFK BAR 1:0 in the final, but their league start has been draw-heavy, while Mornar sit near the top of Druga B liga with a strong defensive record.
OFK BAR also get an awkward draw, travelling to Counter Strike. The beaten finalists have started well in Prva liga and already took a league point from Returnees, but Counter Strike have been explosive in Druga B and arrive with 61 goals from five league matches.
The third tie sends Newcastle United FC against Grobari Berane. Newcastle’s second-tier form is strong enough to make this a real upset watch, especially with Grobari still settling into a crowded top-flight chase.
Carlstad and PEC Face Awkward Trips as Dutch Cup Narrows
The National cup has a compact but interesting set of highlighted ties, with two Eredivisie clubs facing exactly the kind of away matches that can turn uncomfortable quickly. Carlstad United, last season’s beaten finalists, visit Mvv Maastricht after a slow league start and a narrow scoring profile. Mvv, meanwhile, have been ruthless in the cup, following earlier progress with a 16:0 win over Mork. That makes this a real test of whether Carlstad’s top-flight status can still carry them through tricky draws.
PEC Zwolle have a similar assignment away to Hønefoss BK. PEC are near the top of the Eredivisie and already produced a heavy 19:0 cup win over Simpelcity Spartans, but Hønefoss have also looked sharp, beating The Harriers12:0. With Hønefoss perfect in their league group, this is one of the round’s clearest upset-watch matches.
The strongest lower-division clash may be JF.Millaran65 against Akcaabat Sebatspor. JF.Millaran65 are perfect in Eerste Divisie B and have stacked up big cup wins, while Akcaabat followed an 18:0 second-round result with an even louder 24:0 win over ManUtd the Red Devilz. Both arrive with enough scoring form to make this feel more like a late-round tie than a fourth-round fixture.
Football Stars/Brein against Sawatdee Khrap and FC Hoyboys against VV Oudekade are also worth attention after all four sides came through the previous round convincingly. Club Wouse versus De Konjo's adds another third-tier scoring duel: Club Wouse hit 34 last round, De Konjo's scored 6, and both have already shown they can punish any loose defending. The round may not be overloaded with top-flight names, but it has plenty of banana skins.
Norway’s National Cup moves past a mostly bye-filled opener with two ties carrying the main intrigue. The sharper one may be FK Fjordglimt against Super Leeds. On paper it is a third-tier side against a Tippeligaen club, but Fjordglimt have been perfect in 2. Divisjon B, with five wins and no goals conceded. Super Leeds, meanwhile, are still without a league point after losing 1:0 to Droneklubben, so this has clear upset potential.
The other listed match is an all-Tippeligaen meeting between Droneklubben and vimses fc. Neither has started well, but Droneklubben at least arrive with a first league win behind them, while vimses have shown they can score despite five defeats.
Elsewhere, holders Oftebro United and last season’s finalists Mighty Bears F.C. enter as obvious names to watch, but these two ties look like the round’s liveliest early traps.
Portugal’s Cup Round Brings Sá Derby Drama and Plenty of Upset Routes
The Taça de Portugal has a busy round of dangerous ties, and the clean headline is the Sá meeting between Grupo Desportivo de Sá and Sá City Futebol Clube. Sá City sit third in the Superliga, but they arrive after a heavy league defeat to Galacticos C.P., while Grupo Desportivo de Sá are unbeaten in Liga de honra A and beat Grupo Desportivo d Sá10:0 in the previous cup round. For a match between a top-flight side and a second-level challenger, this feels nicely balanced.
Futebol Clube do Porto also face a serious trap against Real Margem FC. Porto are unbeaten in the league and came through round three with a 23:0 win over Rapidity F.C., but Real Margem already knocked out a version of Sport Lisboa e Benfica earlier in the cup and then won 9:0 last round. This is not the sort of third-level opponent a favourite can treat casually.
The most dangerous lower-tier challenger may be Covense. They eliminated Vitoria de Setubal2:1 last round and now face Sport Machados da Surriba, who are struggling in the Superliga despite a huge cup score of their own. Armada FC against New Order has a similar feel: New Order have top-flight status, but Armada’s 20:0 win over FC BioHazard suggests there is real scoring form there.
Beyond the top-flight danger games, the lower divisions offer several proper tests. AMENDOA F.C. against Sport Lisboa e Benfica pairs one of the strongest third-tier teams with a solid second-level side, while Beco da Estrada F. C. against *BENFICA* is a heavyweight third-tier duel. Carcavelos against Wisla Kraków, Gil Vicente against VBLOCK FC, and Sport Lisboa e Telheiras against Sumolix Stars all add more intrigue to a round where last season’s finalists may be elsewhere, but the bracket still looks loaded.
Spain’s National Cup moves on from a mostly bye-filled opener with a surprisingly sharp all-Primera tie. CF Mieres Del Camín face defending cup winners Drunks Oilers, and the league table makes this look uneven — Mieres sit third after beating Spartak Los Navazos 3:2, while Drunks are still winless. But Drunks lifted this trophy last season after beating Brian Boitano's on penalties, so this is a dangerous early test of whether cup habits survive poor league form.
Portela also have an awkward draw against Athletic Bilbao. Portela lost their perfect league start at the weekend, while Athletic are unbeaten in Segunda Division B with 69 goals in five matches, making this one of the round’s clearest upset warnings.
Espongis should be favoured against Htero, but after a 3:0 league defeat to CE L'Hospitalet, the champions could use a clean cup response.
Sweden's National cup steps into the wider draw with holders Slovenia Dreamteam still carrying the memory of last season’s wild 5:4 extra-time final win over Norrlandsfotboll FC. Their latest league win over the same opponent adds a useful bit of momentum before the defence properly gathers pace.
The round’s main test is Gnuville BK against Eneby BK. Gnuville BK have been perfect in Superettan Nord, scoring heavily without conceding, but Eneby BK have already troubled stronger company in Allsvenskan. If the lower-division leaders really are ready to cross levels, this is the tie that can prove it.
The Swiss National Cup reaches a sharper stage after two rounds full of huge scorelines, and Stadtaffe against AC TORINO looks like the headline trap. Stadtaffe are perfect in Challenge League A with 43 goals scored and none conceded, and they followed that with a 32:0 cup win last round. TORINO bring top-flight status and steadier cup experience, but their Super league start has been mixed enough to make this far from comfortable.
The other key tie is all-Super league: NK Bugojno against FC Appenzell. Both sit in the lower middle of the table after uneven starts, but both also produced loud cup wins in the previous round. Appenzell’s Radu Socrate leads the cup scoring chart after their 23:0 win, while Bugojno answered with 17 of their own.
With holders fc walhalla still involved elsewhere, these two matches should do most to shape the round’s early drama.
The Coupe d'Algérie reaches a round with three clear danger ties, all pairing top-flight clubs with ambitious Super D2 opponents. alger united face Arys FC in a meeting of two sides who have been ruthless in the cup so far. Alger united have huge recent scorelines behind them, but their league form has been modest, while Arys arrive from Super D2 B with a strong defensive record and plenty of scoring punch.
The Black Pearl also have a serious test against U.S.M.Belouizdad '26. Pearl steadied their league campaign with a 2:0 win over USMKouba, but Belouizdad sit high in Super D2 A and have already poured in goals through the early cup rounds.
M.C.Algiers should be favoured against BEJAIA FOOTBALL CLUB, especially after beating MPAlger in the league, but BEJAIA’s cup attack has been loud enough to make this another potential trap.
Celeste Jrs. begin their Copa Argentina defence with a top-flight tie against Los Garrafas. The holders look formidable: perfect in the league after five matches, just one goal conceded, and fresh from last season’s extra-time final win over AC Olympic. Garrafas have started the league poorly, but they were semifinalists last season and already held VALIANT SOUL (F.C.) before losing only narrowly to stronger sides.
The other standout tie has serious upset potential. Condor may be three levels down, but their Nacional C 2 start is absurdly strong: five wins, 72 goals scored, none conceded. Racing Club de Avellaneda bring Primera status, yet their league form has been shaky, including recent defeats to Valiant and AC Olympic.
With many other matches shaped by level gaps, these two feel like the round’s clearest tests of reputation against form.
Brazil’s Cup Round Is Packed With Traps for the Top Division
The Copa do Brasil has reached a massive round, and the headline is not one single tie but the sheer number of places where higher-level sides can slip. Desportivo Sol, last season’s beaten finalists, face Piraloku FC after a modest league start, while Guará E.C, another semifinalist from last season, visit Rato da Gama. Neither opponent is coming in cold: Piraloku just hit 12:0 in the previous round, and Rato removed Kreator Football Club10:0.
Udi City F.C remain the strongest league name on paper, sitting top of the Campeonato Brasileiro, but their trip to Guerreiros Z is still awkward. Guerreiros have already beaten BJ VASCO and bring a tight, resilient cup profile rather than just one big score. Candal FC also face a live threat against Estrela da Ponte, who dispatched Inter de Limão FC5:0 last round.
Several other first-level sides have little margin for arrogance. Avanti Palestra! meet Cirandinha DRAMA Futebol Clube, fresh from a dramatic 4:3 win over Pinheiros FC. Na Canela™ go to Lebeira Clube do Desporto, who edged Voltorb FC after extra time, while Nivek United face a dangerous Sleeping Forest F.C. side that already beat 9999 Golds3:1.
The lower-division slate is just as noisy. Real Molotov F.C. against Atletic Rock, Botafogo F. R. against Vascão da Massa, Lunguinha F.C against Bar do Cróvis, and S.C. Quebra Perna against Mýkonos Grecco Futebol Club all look strong on scoring form alone. Add Sport Club Flecha, Capelópolis FC, Chocolate Sensual, Clube Atlético Bancário, Pavel & Amigos, and BCM FC to the mix, and this round feels less like a stepping stone than a survival test.
Copa Chile reaches the point where the favourites can no longer treat the draw as background noise. Holders Deportivo Chiloe return after last season’s 2:0 final win over Lexeros Futbol Club, but their latest league loss to CSD Colo Colo adds a little edge to this cup restart.
The main tie is CDP Curico Unido against Deportivo Chiloe. Deportivo Chiloe already beat CDP Curico Unido 3:0 in the league opener, but CDP Curico Unido have since shown real bite, including a 2:0 win over C.S.D. U de Chile and a 7:0 response against Alboadictos. It is a proper test for the holders.
Copa Colombia comes out of the first cut with a few early markers already down, as Aston Huila and Samarios FC delivered the loudest wins while Independiente Medellín needed penalties to survive.
Last season’s finalists give the restart its hook: Yami F.C were beaten 4:1 by FC Svargrond, but have opened this league season unbeaten and remain right beside Cormaya United at the top. With no major direct clash this round, the pressure is on Cormaya United, Yami F.C, Manizales Town and Atlético Nacional S. A. to keep the cup clean before the draw starts creating sharper problems.
Copa Peru reaches its wider draw with holders Vilcabamba CD back after last season’s 3:0 final win over UC Real Lima, and with America Huancayre FC. already making noise through a 23:0 first-round win.
The round’s most interesting tie is Deportivo Municipal against ERECTROSHOCK F.C.. On paper it is top tier against third tier, but Deportivo Municipal have had a difficult league start, while ERECTROSHOCK F.C. are perfect in Tercera Division A with a 40:0 goal record. That makes this less of a routine cup step and more of a real hierarchy check.
The United States National Cup gets a strong top-flight rematch as Galaxy LA face Telluride Smugglers. Both sit on ten points in the Championship, but Telluride arrive with the fresher momentum after beating FC Ironbound 1:0 while Galaxy were beaten 3:1 by SC Real Madrid. There is also cup history here: Telluride knocked Galaxy out 3:1 in last season’s quarterfinals.
Goal Diggers against mexico city gives the round another all-Championship tie. Goal Diggers have struggled overall but already showed their danger by beating SC Real Madrid, while mexico city have been hard to put away and just beat Velez SC 2:0.
The upset watch is FCEdy against FC Dallas. FCEdy are perfect in USL Two B, but Dallas are unbeaten in USL One B and opened the cup with a 20:0 win, led by Andre Luis Schumacher and Gabriel Ferrero.
Copa Simon Bolivar has already done plenty of sorting, and the holders made sure they were part of the loud end of it. Luxus FC followed a 24:0 win with a 19:0 in the previous round, keeping their cup defence sharp after last season’s penalty win over Pepeventus F.C.
This round does not throw the leading names directly into each other, so the bigger story is momentum control. Union Atletico Falcón arrive as league leaders after beating Luxus FC and Petroglifos de Guacara, while Tequeños de chocolate, Juventus de Venezuela, Real K'tupis FC and Zulia FC all need clean progress before the draw starts turning form into pressure.
