The Australian cup reaches a pure A-League showdown stage, with both Round 3 ties eliminating top-flight contenders. FC Anderson Park North Sydney vs Croweater FC revisits last season’s semifinal tension, while FC SPIDERS Sydney vs Bacon Boys FC guarantees another heavyweight exit. With the defending champions already gone, the path to the trophy is wide open.

The cup opens immediately with a heavyweight clash, as The Academy face Dhaka Abahani Limited in a straight Bangladesh Premier League duel. It is a direct rematch of last season’s final, where Dhaka Abahani edged extra time — ensuring this preliminary round already feels decisive.

Round 5 delivers two pure Premier Division eliminations, leaving no room for caution. baobeiqiqi vs Yanbian FC renews last season’s final, won 1–0 by Yanbian, while Sydney Warriors vs lanxingxing guarantees another top-tier exit.

Recent history sharpens the stakes: Yanbian FC swept aside 无敌绿城 18–1 in the semifinals last season and later shut out Sydney Warriors in the quarterfinals, reinforcing their status as the reference point in this competition.

There are no active matches in Round 5, but the previous stage reshaped the field dramatically. Deportivo Dekara dismantled Tak Tigers 4–0 away, dominating possession and chances from the opening minutes.

Even more decisive was the exit of the holders: Area6ten9okini., champions of season 50, were eliminated 2–1 by Uttaradit Blades, with two own goals overturning an early lead. With both finalists from last season now gone, the Thai cup is suddenly wide open.

Round 7 leans heavily on Meistriliiga strength, with two all–top-flight ties in JK LÕVID vs Saku Sporting and Keila JK vs Saaremaa JK. The standout trap door is SpordiKlubi Kaigas (Div 1.) vs JK Fellin (Meistriliiga), a straight test of whether the second tier can disrupt the established order.

Two SM-sarja pairings headline Round 5, but everything still revolves around the champions. Sudet beat Universe 3–1 in last season’s final and now watch Universe return under pressure against Sudet-era expectations, while FC Rising Force vs Permo Kickers guarantees another top-flight exit.

Round 7 offers one pure Virslīga meeting in FK Jurmala vs A J Bramlett, and one classic mismatch as FK Kuldīga (2. līga) try to topple Lauki (Virslīga). The last round already proved margins are thin: FK Ritabulli stole a 1–0 away win at FC Bandits, while FC Veltins powered past FC Uno 3–1 behind an early double.

A single Divizia Nationala tie headlines Round 3 as Moldavian Stars meet Ferencváros, but recent shocks have shifted the mood. The season 50 holders FC Hermannstadt are already out, beaten 2–0 by Dacians White Wolves, and even last year’s finalists FC Paduricea needed extra time to escape Straw Hat Pirates 1–0.

Round 8 is loaded with cross-division tests. The headline is East Strike (Divizia A) welcoming FC Dinamo București. (Divizia B1), while Soimii I.P.A. Sibiu (Divizia B2) face FC BEAUTY OF PAIN (Divizia A). The holders F.C.PRETOR are still the reference point after winning last season’s final 2–0, but their aura has taken hits this season — they’ve already lost 2–1 to PETROLUL 67 in league play.

There’s no shortage of danger ties: Abatorul Slobozia (Divizia A) must avoid a slip against Politehnica Timisoara (Divizia D), and FC Univ. Craiova meet DINAMO BUC in a serious test of top-flight nerve.

Six active ties make Round 7 feel properly sharp, led by Albion Allstars vs Atletico De Madrid and a run of Premiership–Championship tests. The holders Gravediggers are already in form after a controlled 2–1 win at FWAW, and they now meet Crawley Wildcats with Beringen United Mightyred also under fire at The Tea Garden. Last season’s story still hangs over this bracket: Gravediggers beat Beringen United Mightyred 2–1 in the final, and their repeat path is crowded with potential banana skins.

Just one active game, but it’s a clean top-two-tier showdown: KM Asteras F.C. (Superleague) vs GodAris (B Ethniki).

Five active fixtures bring a packed Round 5, mixing Premier Division weight with Championship ambition. Irish Villa Mob arrive with momentum after beating Myaella Fc 2–0, while Shamrock Rovers carry a statement 3–1 win at SportingHaroldsCross into a tough trip to Vanilla Bears. There’s extra edge for Hibernia, last season’s finalists, as the bracket tightens and the upset doors are wide open in the Level 1–2 ties.

Round 7 is busy with eight active ties, and the holders are right in the spotlight. GialloRossi Wilkowice (Ekstraklasa) won last season’s final 3–0 and now face Związek Piłkarzy Wiejskich (III Liga), while fellow top-flight sides WUJEK TEAM™ and Weles Club also meet third-tier opponents. The previous round already showed ruthlessness: WUJEK TEAM™ won 2–0 away at Clepardia Kraków, with S. Perszki and S. Potokar delivering the goals. With multiple Ekstraklasa–II Liga clashes too, there’s no safe draw left.

Three all–Premier League matchups guarantee heavyweight casualties: Macduff Lions vs Hibernian F.C., Kirn FC vs Wallace Army F.C, and Orkney Otters vs Dundonald Bluebell. The edge sits with Wallace Army F.C, last season’s finalists and still the team everyone measures themselves against after reaching the final — but this round offers them no soft landing.

Preview of Round 7 of the Serbian Cup

The Cup is entering a phase where there is less and less room to relax. Although teams from different divisions are still facing each other, the large number of active sides means that rotation is no longer always an option. Managers face a clear dilemma: preserve energy for the league or go all out to advance. The Cup traditionally punishes mistakes, and surprises are always possible.

We highlight several intriguing matchups.

BABES – FC Kordun
Kordun come in as favorites on paper, but Cup matches against lower-division sides can be tricky. A serious approach from the visitors is expected to avoid complications.

FK Midfield – Belgrade City
As a Superliga side, Belgrade City cannot afford a slip-up. Midfield will look to take advantage of their relaxed approach and home ground, while the visitors must confirm the gap in quality.

Mighty Boars – VOZD Utd.
The Boars have a clear objective — progression without drama. Still, Cup matches often demand patience, especially if the opponent sits deep and waits for an opportunity.

Club de Futbol Dve Sarme – FK Bulbuldžerac
A clash between two teams looking to improve the impression of their season through the Cup. An unpredictable match where fine details could decide the winner.

Young Wolf Academy – Petrova Gora
A young side against a more experienced opponent. An ideal chance for the hosts to make their mark, but also for the visitors to show stability and composure.

FK Radnik Bijeljina – FC Argo Sloboda Sombor
Radnik are considered favorites, but Argo arrive without pressure. A match where concentration and discipline will be decisive.

FC Belgrade United – FK Hajduk Sydney 06'
One of the derbies of this round. Hajduk, as a Superliga side, carry the favorite’s role, but Belgrade United will certainly not give up progression easily.

Conclusion
The seventh round of the Cup brings fewer and fewer easy matches. Form, squad depth, and managerial decisions will be crucial. The Cup is entering a stage where mistakes are costly, and every surprise can change the course of the competition.

Najava 7. runde Kupa Srbije

Kup ulazi u fazu u kojoj je sve manje prostora za opuštanje. Iako se i dalje susreću ekipe različitih rangova, veliki broj aktivnih timova znači da rotacije više nisu uvek opcija. Treneri su pred jasnom dilemom: čuvati snagu za ligu ili ići punom snagom na prolaz dalje. Kup tradicionalno ne prašta greške, a iznenađenja su uvek moguća.

Izdvajamo nekoliko zanimljivih duela.

BABES – FC Kordun
Kordun ulazi kao favorit na papiru, ali kup mečevi protiv niželigaša znaju biti nezgodni. Očekuje se ozbiljan pristup gosta kako bi izbegao komplikacije.

FK Midfield – Belgrade City
Belgrade City kao superligaš nema pravo na kiks. Midfield će pokušati da iskoristi rasterećenost i domaći teren, dok gost mora da potvrdi razliku u kvalitetu.

Mocni Veprovi – VOZD Utd.
Veprovi imaju jasan cilj – prolaz bez drame. Ipak, kup utakmice često traže strpljenje, posebno ako se rival zatvori i čeka svoju šansu.

Club de Futbol Dve Sarme – FK Bulbuldžerac
Duel ekipa koje će pokušati da kroz kup poprave utisak sezone. Neizvestan meč u kome detalji mogu odlučiti pobednika.

Young Wolf Academy – Petrova Gora
Mladi sastav protiv iskusnijeg rivala. Idealna prilika za domaćina da se nametne, ali i za gosta da pokaže stabilnost i rutinu.

FK Radnik Bijeljina – FC Argo Sloboda Sombor
Radnik važi za favorita, ali Argo dolazi bez pritiska. Meč u kome će koncentracija i disciplina biti presudni.

FC Belgrade United – FK Hajduk Sydney 06'
Jedan od derbija ove runde. Hajduk kao superligaš ima ulogu favorita, ali Belgrade United sigurno neće olako prepustiti prolaz.

Zaključak
Sedma runda kupa donosi sve manje lakih utakmica. Forma, širina rostera i odluke trenera biće ključne. Kup ulazi u fazu gde se greške skupo plaćaju, a svako iznenađenje menja tok takmičenja.

Eight active ties, and nearly all of them come with a clear level storyline. Göztepe vs GÖNENSPOR is the pure TFF Süper Lig clash, while Sersel Spor Kulübü (TFF 2. Lig Kırmızı) testing Publius Cornelius Scipio African (Süper Lig) is the kind of tie that can flip a bracket. aşağıakın and Balkesspor both draw TFF 3. Lig opponents, but the most dangerous-looking mismatch is Manyasspor (TFF 3. Lig) vs Trabzonspor (Süper Lig).

Recent cup history adds bite: the season 50 champions Tortuga are out, beaten after extra time by aşağıakın (3–1 aet), and the season 50 runners-up AKINCILAR-1453 also fell (1–2 aet to AslanGS). With both finalists gone, this round feels like a genuine power scramble.

Four active ties and all of them are ÖF-Bundesliga head-to-heads, so there’s nowhere to hide in Round 3. The holders NO MA´AM headline it again, fresh off last season’s 1–0 final win over AC Sienna, and both clubs are back in the same section of the bracket. With TRABZONSP0R vs SV Austria 1933 and B.F.C. 1909 Klagenfurt vs BLλCK MESA also on the slate, this feels more like a late-round purge than an early checkpoint.

Six active games deliver a proper Round 7 grind, stacked with Premier Liga BiH sides taking on lower-league ambition. Dinny already proved they can survive chaos, edging Blaugrana F.C on penalties after a 2–2 draw (5–4 p), while PARTIZAN FK arrive with confidence after winning 2–1 at FC Peacocks almighty behind a Tor Roedal brace. This round is full of tier-pressure tests: FK Sloboda Tuzla vs Zvijezda Gradacac and Borac 1926 travelling to Horde zla United look especially sharp, with PARTIZAN FK also tasked to avoid a slip against Blue Coopers.

Two active matches keep Round 3 tight, but it’s all top-flight quality: Vereya F.C. vs Lazio_1900 and AFC PAMELA'S LIONS vs CSKA Sofia. The sub-plot is simple: last season’s finalists AFC PAMELA'S LIONS are still carrying the sting of a 5–0 final defeat to Val United, and this is a dangerous moment to meet another A Grupa heavyweight.

Seven active ties make this a busy Round 7, with the bracket built around Prva HNL vs Druga HNL pressure. The previous round already produced statements: Fight United Elite swept past St. Krijal 3–0 with Dinu Agraru striking twice, while West Herzegowina UTD FC won 2–0 at FC Gorri Ussi Winnetou thanks to Roque Arguello scoring in the 1st and 65th minutes. Now the holders 9 depresivaca are in the mix again, and the Level 2–1 pairings (NK Maksimir Zagreb vs Lazy Surfer, NK Samobor vs Fight United Elite) look like the kind of ties that can swing the whole competition’s balance.

One active match, but the backdrop is loud: FK Panthers ZLÍN vs FC Romulus follows a dramatic previous round where FK Chrudim eliminated F.C. Viktoria Plzen on penalties after a 0–0 draw (9–8 p), and FC Brandys outlasted the season 50 champions RC Victoria Moravia 3–2. With the holders gone, the door is wide open for a new name.

Four active fixtures and a strong mix of tiers, with Bundesliga sides exposed to early danger. Wacker Reinickendorf already showed upset instincts by beating Elegant Elephants 2–1, and now they host VfB Stuttgart in another Level 2–1 test. The defending champions’ story is gone too: season 50 winners Elegant Elephants have been knocked out, while season 50 runners-up FC St. Pauli were hammered 3–0 by Diamond Dogs. With both finalists removed, ties like Omega FC vs Forest Club and Kicker der Kokosnuss vs Dynamo Dresden suddenly feel like the start of a new hierarchy.

No active ties this round, but the last action was emphatic: Hunyadi János beat Al Nassr Riyadh 3–0, with Nur Khan, Schelte Eillert and Benjamin Fitos on the scoresheet and Matthew Brown starring.

Two active matches keep Round 5 concise, yet the previous round set a clear tone: FC Jezury Sered won 3–1 away at SC Bianconeri, powered by goals from Pavol Novak, T. Da Nobrega and I. Sagese. Now they face MB footbal club in an all-Super Liga clash, while FC Petržalka akadémia take on Váh River Titans in a Level 1–2 tie where one mistake can end the run.

Seven active ties make Round 8 feel like a real filter, especially with four straight Prva SNL vs Druga SNL pairings. The previous round produced a statement win: Grosuplje FC beat NK Jesihdorf 3–1 away, with Mensud Degic scoring twice in three minutes before Teodor Verhnjak sealed it. The holders Grosuplje Dreamteam are also in focus again — last season they beat Borussia Dortmund 1–0 in the final — and now both clubs face Level 2 opponents (NK Markovci and AS Radgona) with no room for complacency.

Six active ties push this round firmly into the spotlight, with a heavy mix of Eerste Klasse and 2de Klasse clashes. The headline rematch is Sasboys vs EA SERREKES, while holders FC Goldstar revisit familiar territory after last season’s extra-time final win over Sasboys. Merchtem2016, fresh from an extra-time escape against kfc de preistampers, now face Club Internationale, and the derby tension of AS Beveren vs De Rode Leeuwen adds further edge.

Three active fixtures keep this round compact but varied, spanning three different tier combinations. The all-Superligaen meeting of Fevre fB vs Borsholm-Skibstrup IF stands out, especially with Borsholm-Skibstrup IF coming off a penalty triumph in last season’s final. Wunderfull Copenhagen face a classic trap tie against Club Vestegnen, while Stade Gusteau vs Eintracht Brunsviger offers a rare Level 3–2 duel.

Eight active matches make this one of the busiest slates of the timeslot, blending all four tiers. The holders’ trail still looms large: SID LYONNAIS survived a penalty shootout against FOOTBALL CLUB POULIDOR and now step into another mismatch against Quentovic FC. Top-flight clashes like Rookies F.C vs St. Senoux Spiders and OLIVE ET TOM vs OGC Nice headline, while FC Katon arrive with momentum after eliminating FC Palestine in the previous round.

Six active ties give this round a clear Serie A vs Serie B narrative. Last season’s champions Il Circolino are again in focus, facing sporting lanusei after lifting the trophy via extra time. Several top-flight sides are under pressure, notably Realjoggi and Linceo, both away to second-tier opponents. The balance of power feels fragile, and another early heavyweight exit looks likely.

Six active matches underline a demanding round, packed with Prva liga involvement. The holders San Stefano FC are not in action this time, but their influence remains after knocking out Club Atlético de Madrid S.A.D. in last season’s final. The standout tie is FC Mornar Bar vs Shamrock Rovers, while Grobari Berane and For The Alliance both face tricky Level 2 opposition that could reshape the bracket.

Seven active games deliver a full-spectrum round across four levels. Two Eredivisie-only clashes, Ceasar Empire vs JF.Millaran and Wrexham AFC vs SC Pink, guarantee top-flight casualties. The holders Abel United are already gone, while AZ ALKMAAR FC survived extra time in the last round and now face another potential stumble against Fc Fartree. Depth, not pedigree, feels decisive here.

Five active fixtures shape a sharp Round 5, highlighted by three Tippeligaen head-to-heads. Champions Bella FC are back in action after edging Lillestrøm Sportsklubb 3–2, and now meet FC Shibal in another high-risk tie. Torden vs Droneklubben looks equally pivotal, while Sick My Duck attempt a classic cup upset against Oftebro United.

Eight active matches make this a deep and dangerous round, dominated by Superliga sides on the road. The champions FC Saense are already out, and Futebol Clube do Porto now carry that weight into a tricky visit to Os Patetas. S. C. Pena d´Alva, fresh from a five-goal display in the previous round, headline a slate full of Level 2–1 traps where margins are thin.

Three active games keep this round tight but meaningful. The all-Primera División ties Celtic de Mostoles FC vs Drunks Oilers and Spartak Los Navazos vs Brian Boitano's ensure elite exits, while CF Mieres Del Camín face second-tier resistance. With holders Espongis already confirmed as last season’s champions after extra time, the bracket is primed for a new challenger.

No active fixtures this round, but the echoes are loud: Rutger Boll Klubb edged Slovenia Dreamteam 3–2 and remain a central reference point after losing last season’s final to Norrlandsfotboll FC. The pause only sharpens the focus on what comes next.

Six active ties give this round real weight, with four Super League sides facing direct pressure. The holders Fc Black Panther return after defeating FC KOFA in last season’s final and now meet FC Appenzell. Fellow heavyweights fc schönspieler, AC TORINO and HyperVibes are all paired at the top level, ensuring the path forward narrows quickly.

Five active ties shape a balanced Round 7, with Premiere Division sides repeatedly tested away from home. WATlemcen & CCSig return to action after their extra-time survival and now meet a confident Arys FC, who already proved their nerve on penalties. alger united, dominant in the previous round, headline another Level 2–1 clash against FC L'VATATA, while USM.GAZA face a tricky visit to BEJAIA FOOTBALL CLUB. With last season’s finalists already under pressure earlier in the competition, this round feels primed for another reshuffle.

Five matches keep this round compact but heavyweight. Three all-Primera División clashes dominate, led by Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata vs VALIANT SOUL (F.C.) and a high-profile derby between Racing Club de Avellaneda and racing club. Celeste Jrs., last season’s finalists, travel to Batacazo FC in a classic cup test, while Buenos Aires FC aim to unsettle CD Banfield. Fine margins have defined recent editions, and this round offers little room for error.

Just one active fixture headlines the timeslot, but it carries full top-flight weight. Juan Carlo Balón vs Blooming pits two Level 1 sides against each other at an early stage, guaranteeing a notable exit. With Royal Pari still looming as defending champions, the winner here gains a valuable opening as the bracket begins to thin.

The now traditional Copa do Brasil round of 16 favoritism guide returns for its third edition, bringing the [b">favoritemeter[/b"> of the tournament’s 16 remaining contenders. Who will lift the trophy in T51?

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP

There are no underdogs this season as surprising as Poran and Gladbach in T49 or Fla Nordestino in T50 still alive. A sign that teams are improving — and that several favorites were knocked out early: there is no remaining team with an average OPS above 230.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

16. DYNAMO OSASCO (3rd, D16)

In the fourth division, Dynamo Osasco could easily fly under the radar in T51, as the team is clearly focused on gaining rating in the lower leagues. That is, of course, if not for the best Copa do Brasil campaign in club history.
Before T51, Dynamo had only reached the 7th round twice, in T41 and T42 — and never beyond. This run, however, has been consistent, with wins over well-organized active teams such as Salvador and BCM. And the draw against Chronos might be the best possible scenario. In OPS terms, an upset is not out of the question. Imagine that: a Série D team playing the Challenge Cup.

15. GOLDEN EAGLE WARRIORS (7th, C7)

Fun fact: Golden Eagle is the team created in the T38–T39 generation that has reached the Round of 16 the most times — this will be their sixth appearance among the final 16. Another fun fact: they have never advanced past this stage.
In T51, the team managed by Stephen Curry and José Dourado arrives with an OPS similar to Cajueiro’s, but there is no comparison in current form — Golden Eagle is fighting near the bottom of the C7 table, while Cajueiro is the last unbeaten team in Brazilian Dugout. Could this finally be Golden’s first quarterfinal appearance? We don’t think so.

14. QUEBRA PERNA (2nd, C8)

“We know Léo Bertuol is one of the best managers in Brazilian Dugout — and he already reached the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals in T43.” Déjà vu. Two seasons ago, I wrote the exact same thing about Quebra Perna, and nothing has really changed. SCQP is still unstable in C8, yet continues to show up deep in the Copa do Brasil.
Back then, Quebra Perna was eliminated by eventual champion Sol, courtesy of a classic “former club curse” goal from Samir das Chagas, developed in SCQP’s academy. This time, the opponent is even tougher: Campinas, owner of the best OPS among the remaining 16 teams. But magic tends to happen on Tuesday afternoons at Askeland Stadium — and Campinas has a habit of suffering against Capelo’s sons.

13. CHRONOS (8th, C7)

Had they eliminated another team, Chronos might rank lower here. But knocking out Udi is something only a few clubs have managed: Botafogo, Flecha, São Paulo, Niterói, Capelópolis, Paulista and Touro. All of them have either played in the CB or are close to doing so.
So Chronos must be doing something right. The draw helped, since Dynamo Osasco is far from a juggernaut. And every day, Luis de Lourdes, the best U18 striker in the world, just keeps getting better. A perfect recipe for a potential upset finalist — especially considering the club’s cup pedigree: runner-up in the Copinha just week ago, and with a Round of 16 appearance back in T40, when they were still known as Carnielli.

12. RATO DA GAMA

Among the 16 teams still alive, Rato da Gama may have the weakest historical record in cup competitions, having reached the seventh round only once, in T45. But something seems to have clicked recently: T50 was outstanding, the team has had a long run with the DO-BR Belt recently, and they come into this stage not long removed from a six-game winning streak in the league — capped by a fantastic 1–0 win over TWD in the 7th round of the Cup, proving that Bahia is much better than Larley.
Sol is a tough opponent for the Round of 16 and is in good form both in league and cup play. Thiago Rato is betting on recent momentum and the “former club law”: midfielder Stjepovic, a star at São Ratuário, played for Sol just a few seasons ago.

11. PROJECT MAYHEM (1st, C7)

The only two-time champion still alive among the final 16, Project Mayhem no longer has any remnants of that legendary squad among its starters — Hernani Lecheva, Ilson Bigulino and Elias Kaufmann are now history.
Still, this might be Mayhem’s best moment in years. The dino reached the Round of 16 for the first time since T41, leads C7, and has posted emphatic wins over teams like Chronos and 3Kings. The lack of a reliable goalkeeper may hurt them, however, and Atlético Potiguar — even with below-average OPS — enters the matchup as favorite.
But who knows? The dinos have said it for years: Wolf Mayhem is a tactical mastermind of the Jurassic world.

DARK HORSES

10. ATLÉTICO POTIGUAR (7th, B1)

Looking only at OPS, you might be wondering: how can Atlético Potiguar, with the lowest average among the remaining 16 teams, be considered a dark horse? Shouldn’t they be ranked lower? And the answer is simple: doubt Hannyel Potiguar at your own risk.
With five homegrown players in the starting lineup, the squad assembled by Hannyel closely resembles Na Canela’s teams — twice Copa semifinalists with even lower OPS. But can Vanderson Carena play the role of Bos? And does Hannyel command the Scrolls of Malta? Their B1 campaign has been solid so far, and Mayhem is no longer the team it was ten years ago. There is a real chance Potiguar enters this tie as favorite.

9. BASTARDOS INGLÓRIOS (6th, B1)

Increasingly established in Dugout’s top divisions, it was about time Bastardos Inglórios made a serious Copa run. And that moment has arrived, with wins over tough opponents like Piratas and Amnésia.
The main concern is that the season itself hasn’t been overly impressive, and midfield is clearly the weakest sector of an otherwise strong squad. The counterpoint: Sebastian Pajek has been unbeatable between the posts, and we’ve already seen Del Garcia take Flecha teams worse than this one to the final. The Round of 16 opponent is tricky, but Bastardos can compete with Avanti Palestra/Moços in OPS terms.

8. DOURADINA (4th, C7)

A “team of the future” in Dugout terms, Douradina continues to live up to the nickname. This is their second consecutive Round of 16 appearance. And the script is nearly identical: the C7 team is facing a CB opponent as underdogs.
Unlike Guará in T50, which had a far superior OPS, Douradina can truly compete with Candal — in a matchup that could easily have taken place in C7 (had Douradina not bottled promotion for a couple of seasons). The squad is stronger than last season as well: players like Jef Tuin and Isailo Plavsa keep improving. The latter, a midfield star, has the unenviable task of stopping Gunalan. A tall order — but not impossible.

WOULD NOT BE A SURPRISE

7. CANDAL (9th, CB)

For season after season, Candal kept falling just short in the Copa do Brasil. Since the creation of the Copa Giro, Douglas Candal hadn’t made it to the Round of 16.
That has now changed. In their very first season in the national elite, Candal built momentum and benefited from some friendly draws to finally debut among the final 16. The formula remains the same that took them near the top of the first division table: give the ball to Gunalan and trust the Uruguayan Candiota Severo in the back. The big question is whether the Turkish star will play — Gunalan always seems one yellow card away from suspension.

6. MÁXIMA (3rd, C5)

Máxima’s current form isn’t exactly spectacular. Their opponent is one of the toughest draws possible. But how can one doubt the first Capelo son to win the Copa do Brasil? Especially considering the coincidences between that title run and this season.
Yes, Delfim Monteiro and Djalovic are no longer at Máxima, but the scoreline against Geny in round 7 was identical to the T46 final: 1–0. With a younger squad than back then, Marcos Máxima will need to work miracles to secure a second title. And academy product Cosme Lessa will have to channel his inner Delfim.

5. AVANTI PALESTRA! (7th, CB)

It may not look like much compared to Botafogo, Piraloku or Udi City, but Avanti Palestra!/Moços’ OPS average of 225.5 is the third-best among the remaining 16 teams. And it’s not just about OPS: the former Moços side has competed toe-to-toe with much stronger CB teams so far in T51, with Henrique Matsuda (developed by the late Vikings) as their star man.
This will be Avanti’s third Round of 16 appearance, and the first under their new name. Bastardos Inglórios is a tricky opponent, but Celso Moços knows he is the favorite. Quietly, Moços should advance. And Big Fish won’t be there as the cup executioner this time. A possible favorite?

4. CAJUEIRO (1st, B2)

Selling Cajueiro as a future champion is the easiest thing in the world. Only one team in Brazil is still unbeaten this season. And if you don’t lose in the Copa do Brasil, you usually end up champion (as long as your goalkeeper isn’t Andrezinho Escalona, of course).
The truth is Cajueiro’s campaign has been flawless. The red-and-blue side boasts the best attack in B2 and the second-best defense. Veteran Gavrilo Dabetic, likely in his final season, has scored 13 goals in 12 league matches — all for the bargain price of 29k. The Round of 16 opponent helps. The OPS is the second-best among the final 16. So… why not Cajueiro?

TOP FAVORITES

3. DESPORTIVO SOL (2nd, B2)

In Dugout, some teams simply know how to play certain competitions. Despite recent stumbles, nobody enjoys opening the draw page and discovering they’ll face Nivek United. And it may not be too early to say: Desportivo Sol seems to have learned how to play the Copa do Brasil.
The T49 champion has eliminated a lot of active sides in recent seasons and only fell in T50 to eventual champion Udi — at the 119th minute of extra time, no less. With a solid defense and several tactical cards up their sleeve, Sol enters as one of the favorites for a second title. One great argument: unlike Máxima and Mayhem, other champions with completely revamped squads, Sol has essentially kept its championship core — midfielders Musat and Pezzi, the attacking trio ED09-Joanitis-Das Chagas, and captain Cupic. The remaining question is whether Cima Maigregom can replicate the feats of Joaquim Dal’Molin — who has more Copa do Brasil titles than Bento.

2. CAMPINAS (11th, B2)

Getting there is the first step to becoming champion. And Campinas is back in the Round of 16 once again. This marks the semi-dino’s second consecutive appearance at this stage, after going 11 seasons without making the final 16 — though that pales in comparison to the 13 consecutive appearances in its “other life.”
The numbers don’t lie: Campinas has, by far, the highest OPS among the remaining 16 teams. And the form, which was poor early in the season, is clearly improving, highlighted by three wins in its last six games in B2.
While Na Canela faces Máxima — one of the few champions still alive — Campinas travels to Quebra Perna. That’s halfway to their first quarterfinal since T38. It’s time for Caio de Medeiros to finally show what he’s made of: Campinas is one of the favorites to win the Copa do Brasil T51.

1. NA CANELA (4th, CB)

Na Canela has reached the Copa do Brasil semifinals twice, eliminated by Nivek United and Udi City — both in brutally close matches. Neither is still alive. Na Canela is one of the CB’s runner-ups. Na Canela practically forced Descolado into inactivity and faced one of the toughest paths in this edition.
Given all that, tell me one argument to not consider Na Canela the main favorite to lift the trophy? Yes, Diego Na Canela has developed a habit of stumbling at decisive stages in recent seasons. OPS is below the average of the remaining rivals, and the team has scored just six goals in 12 CB matches. But goalkeeper Andris Ozolins is nearly impenetrable, Diogo Grilo keeps delivering crucial goals, and Arthur Bronaut is the long-dreamed-of perfect midfielder. Also keep an eye on wing-midfielder Felipi Filho.
Our bet is that Na Canela’s ridiculous fanbase has a very real chance to celebrate an unprecedented final appearance. And then… who knows?

Round 2 offers a single but meaningful encounter: The Lads vs Football club de Taher. The visitors arrive as reigning champions after a commanding final win last season and already eliminated strong opposition earlier in the tournament. The Lads, beaten semifinalists previously, now get a direct shot at revenge, making this early-round meeting one of the most loaded ties of the night.

No active matches in this round, but recent results still resonate. Athletic Valhalla and Lexeros Futbol Club both impressed in the previous round, while holders C.S.D. U de Chile remain the benchmark after edging the final last season. The pause merely sharpens anticipation for the next phase.

Four active fixtures give Round 5 a balanced spread across divisions. The standout is the all-Liga Dimayor meeting of Magdalena United vs JMP VIP, while Mallama Jaguares and The Evil Reds F.C. are both drawn into potential traps against second-tier opposition. With Manizales Town crowned champions last season after a dominant final, the field remains wide open.

Two top-flight clashes headline Round 3, keeping the focus firmly on elite matchups. Panteras Negras UAM vs C.D. Guadalajara revisits a familiar knockout pairing, while C. D. Jorge Campos meet Real Geminis in a tie that promises balance rather than spectacle. With the holders already eliminated in prior rounds, the path forward feels unusually clear.

Four matches define a demanding Round 5, dominated by Descentralizado Peruano heavyweights. The all-Level 1 meetings Real Betis Balonpie vs UC Real Lima and Real Madrid CF vs FS2001 ensure big-name exits, while Inferno United face a potential ambush away to Deportivo Canto. Defending champions Universitario de Deportes remain the reference point after last season’s extra-time triumph.

Five active ties make this one of the busiest rounds of the night. Three Championship-level showdowns headline, including NY Cosmos vs Velez SC and SC Real Madrid vs New Jersey Stars. Holders NY Cosmos are back after edging past Galaxy LA and now face another stern test, while mexico city look to continue their strong cup pedigree against FC Ironbound.

A single but high-profile fixture opens Round 3, as Schnabel von Rom face Defensor Sporting Club. With last season’s champions Gunners Team 1886 already setting the standard, the winner here gains crucial momentum in a competition where depth has often outweighed reputation.

Three active matches frame a decisive Round 6. Luxus FC, beaten finalists last season, host Atlético De Maracaibo in a pure Level 1 clash, while Union Atletico Falcón and Juventus de Venezuela both navigate tricky cross-division ties. With Red Bull Guayana newly crowned and already active earlier, the balance of power is very much in flux.