National Cups – Round by Round, Pressure by Pressure
As the 51st dugout-online season moves deeper into its knockout phase, the national cups begin to separate contenders from survivors. This week brings a fascinating split in tempo: the biggest DO nations are already navigating Round 7, large nations are busy with Round 6, mid-sized countries contest Round 4, while the smallest cups are only just beginning in Round 2.
With squads rotating, underdogs dreaming, and reigning champions already under threat or eliminated, the cups once again provide a different kind of footballing logic—one where momentum, discipline, and single moments matter more than league consistency. Below is a nation-by-nation look at the cups with active matches and/or decisive moments from the previous round.
Round 2 opens with three live ties and immediate A-League intrigue: FC SPIDERS Sydney vs F.C.Formerly In Shape and Bacon Boys FC vs CIKAR are all–top-flight eliminators, while Diddillibah FC (A-League) — last season’s champions — face a potential banana skin against Redtails FC (B1-League).
Round 4 is pure Premier Division elimination: Tongzhou Lions vs lanxingxing and Yanbian FC vs xiaotian-inter. With Yanbian FC reigning champions, every opponent now treats their tie like a final.
Two fixtures, both all–Thai 1: Area6ten9okini. vs Uttaradit Blades and Tak Tigers vs Deportivo Dekara. With recent history between several of these sides, there’s nowhere to hide — only one bad half is enough to end a cup run.
Two active ties: Football Club Tallinna Ariel vs FC Revolution is a headline all–Meistriliiga clash, while AFC Flippy vs SpordiKlubi Kaigas keeps the Div 1. bracket moving. With Tallinna Ariel the holders, the spotlight falls on them immediately.
Four active ties lead Round 6, anchored by three all–Virslīga matchups: FC Bandits vs FK Ritabulli, FC Uno vs FC Veltins, and A J Bramlett vs Skonto Football Club (with Skonto stepping up from the 1. līga). Lauki also take on the tier drop test against FK Black Sheep 2006.
Last round, A J Bramlett were sharp in a 2–0 win over Admirals FC, setting the tone early and reinforcing why they remain a major factor in Latvia’s cup picture.
Two active ties: FC Hermannstadt vs Dacians White Wolves and Straw Hat Pirates vs FC Paduricea, both all–Divizia Nationala matchups featuring last season’s champions Hermannstadt.
With a full slate of 16 matches, Round 7 of the Cupa României stands as one of the defining checkpoints of the competition. The draw offers no shelter for the elite: Divizia A sides are repeatedly pulled into tricky encounters against ambitious lower-league opposition, while the volume of all–Divizia C and Divizia D clashes guarantees that new names will break into the later stages.
Top-flight pressure is immediate. East Strike, Podgoria Murfatlar, FC Univ. Craiova, and Navigator all face Divizia C opponents, ties where control on paper rarely translates into comfort on the pitch. Vagoane Caracal hosting FC BEAUTY OF PAIN flips the script entirely, while The Newts drawing Abatorul Slobozia ensures last round’s standout side is tested again without delay.
The middle tiers carry their own weight. Soimii I.P.A. Sibiu vs FC RECOLTA BLAJANI and Craiova Maxima vs Clubul Sportiv al Armatei are classic Divizia B eliminators, while no fewer than four all–Divizia C matchups keep the bracket grinding forward without favourites. At the base, Politehnica Timisoara vs JAVA CF and FC Blatishtii din Deal vs F.C. Juventus Colentina give Divizia D sides a rare, clear path to prominence.
The previous round already hinted at how ruthless this cup can be. Abatorul Slobozia overturned AFC Atletico Mangalia 2–1 away from home, absorbing early pressure before striking decisively through Nadi Boransay and Krzysztof Domrzalowski. With last season’s champions F.C.PRETOR now part of the wider historical backdrop rather than the current narrative, Romania’s cup feels unusually open — and Round 7 may be the moment when genuine contenders finally separate from survivors.
No active ties this round, but the last stage produced a decisive shake-up: Venator Academy FC (Superliga) edged out Patosi Oilers (Superliga) 1–0, with Sokol Toverlani’s early strike settling a match defined by missed chances and fine margins.
Seven active fixtures push Round 6 forward, led by a marquee all–English Premiership tie: FWAW vs Gravediggers. The mix of Premiership and Championship matchups elsewhere keeps the bracket volatile, especially in ties where top-flight clubs travel into second-tier pressure.
Last round, Albion Allstars held their nerve to beat Rougemont Rovers 2–1, driven by Didier Holzinger’s brace and a composed game management that suggested a team built for knockout rhythm.
Three fixtures shape Round 4. Two all–Premier Division ties — Irish Villa Mob vs Myaella Fc and SportingHaroldsCross vs Shamrock Rovers — ensure quality exits, while Red Forest (Premier Division) travel into a mixed-tier challenge against Balbriggan United FC (Championship A).
Last round, Hibernia advanced with a composed 2–0 win over Knockea United, an outcome shaped by an own goal and a clinical second that punished Knockea’s lack of cutting edge.
Poland delivers one of the heaviest rounds of the entire cup calendar, with more than twenty active fixtures spread across the Ekstraklasa, II Liga, and III Liga. Top-flight sides such as Stal Mielec, Weles Club, NaprzódPoGorzałe, and FC Polski Klub are all drawn into demanding encounters rather than comfortable progression paths, while several second-tier teams face realistic opportunities to push deeper.
The competition is notably open following the absence of reigning champions GialloRossi Wilkowice, and the recent elimination of Dzik Marcinkowice (formerly Dynamo Wrocław) has further destabilised the expected hierarchy. With a dense slate of balanced matchups and minimal margin for error, this round feels less like a filtering stage and more like an early quarterfinal bottleneck, where squad depth and tactical discipline will decide who survives.
One active tie: East Fife (Premier League) vs FC Drobeta (First Division). The cup’s mood was set last round when Orkney Otters stunned Celtic 1–0, a result that reminded everyone Scotland’s bracket punishes even small lapses.
The Cup is entering a phase where there is very little room left for calculations.
There are still plenty of matches, but in this round the difference is already visible between teams pushing for progression and those prioritizing the league above all else.
Many managers will have to decide whether to rotate and protect league form or take the Cup seriously and go all out for advancement.
FK Hajduk Sydney 06' – Heroes
A clash between two Superliga teams lacking consistency in the league.
The Cup could offer a psychological reset, but the key question is how much each side is willing to risk by fielding their strongest lineup.
Roundabout – Mighty Boars
The Boars are favorites in terms of quality, but the Cup often punishes complacency.
If the visitors opt for a rotated lineup, the hosts will look to seize their opportunity.
Arsenal RK – Young Wolf Academy
As Superliga leaders, Arsenal must carefully balance results and rest.
Anything other than progression would be a surprise, but the real question is how much rotation the hosts will use.
Shooting Stars SC – Belgrade City
Belgrade City are enjoying a stable season and look serious, but the Cup always brings extra pressure.
It will be interesting to see whether the visitors play it safe or try to settle the match quickly.
FK Anđelija – BABES
Anđelija are searching for continuity, and the Cup could serve as an additional confidence boost.
Home advantage and experience are on their side.
FK Radnik Bijeljina – GEMS 35
Radnik have no room for complacency in any competition.
The Cup is often where discipline and rhythm are restored, so a serious approach is expected.
FC Kordun – EK PIVA SELJANI
Kordun are one of the season’s most pleasant surprises, and the Cup could be an added bonus.
Still, the question remains whether the Superliga will stay the top priority.
Conclusion
In this round of the Serbian Cup, there are more active matchups than before,
rotations are limited, and managers are gradually forced to choose — Cup or league.
Who will take risks and who will conserve energy, we’ll find out very soon.
Once again, the Cup offers a chance for surprises.
Sporting regards!
Najava Kupa Srbije – runda 6
Kup ulazi u fazu u kojoj više nema mnogo prostora za kalkulisanje.
I dalje ima dosta utakmica, ali u ovoj rundi se već vidi razlika između timova koji žele prolaz i onih koji prvenstvo stavljaju ispred svega.
Mnogi menadžeri će morati da odluče da li da rotiraju i čuvaju formu za ligu ili da krenu ozbiljno po prolaz dalje.
FK Hajduk Sydney 06' – Heroes
Duel dva tima iz Superlige koji u prvenstvu nemaju kontinuitet.
Kup može biti prilika za psihološki preokret, ali pitanje je koliko će ekipe rizikovati sa najjačim sastavima.
Roundabout – Mocni Veprovi
Veprovi su favorit po kvalitetu, ali kup često zna da kazni opuštanje.
Ako gost izađe u kombinovanom sastavu, domaćin će tražiti svoju šansu.
Arsenal RK – Young Wolf Academy
Arsenal kao lider Superlige mora pažljivo da balansira između rezultata i odmora.
Sve osim prolaza bilo bi iznenađenje, ali pitanje je sa koliko rotacija domaćin ulazi u meč.
Shooting Stars SC – Belgrade City
Belgrade City ima stabilnu sezonu i deluje ozbiljno, ali kup uvek nosi dodatni pritisak.
Biće zanimljivo videti da li će gosti igrati na sigurno ili pokušati da meč reše brzo.
ФК Анђелија – BABES
Andjelija traži kontinuitet i kup može poslužiti kao dodatno dizanje samopouzdanja.
Domaći teren i iskustvo su na njihovoj strani.
FK Radnik Bijeljina – GEMS 35
Radnik nema prostora za opuštanje ni u jednom takmičenju.
Kup je često mesto gde se vraća disciplina i ritam, pa se očekuje ozbiljan pristup.
FC Kordun – EK PIVA SELJANI
Kordun je jedno od najprijatnijih iznenađenja sezone i kup može biti samo dodatni bonus.
Ipak, ostaje pitanje da li će prioritet ostati Superliga.
Zaključak
U ovoj rundi Kupa Srbije ima više aktivnih duela nego ranije,
rotacije su ograničene, a menadžeri polako moraju da biraju – kup ili liga.
Ko će rizikovati, a ko čuvati snagu, videćemo vrlo brzo.
Kup ponovo nudi priliku za iznenađenja.
Sportski pozdrav!
With 16 active ties, the Turkish cup reaches a true pressure point: top-flight names are everywhere, but most of them are being forced to prove it against hungry lower-league opposition. Göztepe have momentum after edging Galatasaray.Sk 1–0 last round, while aşağıakın arrive battle-tested after extra-time drama against Tortuga, powered by Olaf Hamborg’s decisive burst.
Round 7 has several headline traps: aşağıakın meet A&S KafkasKartalı, Elazığspor face zambo, and Publius Cornelius Scipio African are tested by Çankırıspor. Two more Süper Lig sides must avoid embarrassment from the basement as Trabzonspor visit Oğuz Türk FK and Balkesspor travel to Malatyaspor.
Elsewhere, the all-division grind continues: kuyucak gençlerbirliği take on GÖNENSPOR, while Sersel Spor Kulübü renews the storyline around sensiz_olmuyor, last season’s semi-finalists. There’s also plenty of third-tier intrigue, including Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü vs. Nazillispor and Beşiktaş JK vs. BLACK LİON, where one misstep could send a big badge tumbling.
Two fixtures, both all–ÖF-Bundesliga. Maribor FC vs BLλCK MESA and Wolfsberger vs Partizan mean a pair of top-flight clubs will be gone early, with no lower-tier safety net this time.
Seven matches across the pyramid keep Round 6 lively, and the top tier doesn’t get any breathing room. Dinny vs Blaugrana F.C and FC Peacocks almighty vs PARTIZAN FK are direct Premier Liga BiH duels, while FK Sloboda Tuzla (Premier Liga BiH) face FK Baščaršija (Prva Liga) in a tie where one mistake can undo a season.
The previous round already delivered knockout drama: Horde zla United survived extra time to beat F.C. Imperial, turning a late swing into a 2–1 win after 120 minutes. In the same stage, BH Dragons also advanced with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over FK Sarajevo 1946, a reminder that pedigree doesn’t shield anyone once the cup narrows.
With ten fixtures, Croatia delivers one of the busiest rounds of the week — and the draw wastes no time thinning the elite. Two all–Prva HNL clashes headline the card: St. Krijal vs Fight United Elite and FC Gorri Ussi Winnetou vs West Herzegowina UTD FC, both ties that can reshape the bracket in a single night.
The tier-crossing matchups add another layer of tension. NK Maksimir Zagreb (Druga HNL B) meeting HNK Čeznem da zeznem™ (Prva HNL) and Only Natural (Druga HNL B) taking on 9 depresivaca (Prva HNL) are classic “nothing to lose” scenarios for second-tier challengers.
There’s also variety deeper down: HNK Doli vs HNK Čokolino keeps the Druga HNL sides alive, while multiple Treca HNL pairings ensure that lower-league momentum can snowball quickly. In a round this crowded, survival is as much about focus as quality — and Croatia’s cup hierarchy could look very different by the end of it.
Six active ties bring Round 4 into focus, with multiple heavyweight Bundesliga eliminations. Berlin Hertha FC vs Forest Club, TSV Allmendingen vs FC Passau, and Diamond Dogs vs FC St. Pauli all remove top-tier rivals directly, while Bayer 04 Leverkusen face a tier drop opponent in FC LivindaShow that still demands professionalism.
Last round, Leverkusen were pushed to the edge but survived 3–2 against FK Leotar München, a match that swung on bursts of scoring and proved even the biggest names can bleed in knockout football.
With 15 active matches, Round 7 of the Slovenski Državni Pokal is one of the heaviest rounds of the entire cup calendar, and the draw wastes no time in forcing clarity. The Prva SNL is heavily exposed, both through direct eliminations and through dangerous crossings against ambitious lower-tier sides, ensuring that reputation alone will not be enough to survive.
The headline fixture is the all–top-flight clash NK Jesihdorf vs Grosuplje FC, a tie that guarantees the exit of a Prva SNL contender. Elsewhere, defending champions Grosuplje Dreamteam are immediately under pressure against FC Scary Gorca (Druga SNL), while Alkosi i drogeraši face a classic trap away to Djebo Team (Tretja SNL). Manchester United FC must also avoid complacency as they take on FC MARIBOR from the Prva regionalna Liga.
The middle tiers dominate the texture of the round. Multiple Tretja SNL pairings — including NK Ekstream vs Rogatec10, Football Elite Kotredež vs Christchurch Rangers, and NK Podgorci vs zlatorog — will quietly thin the field, while mixed-tier encounters like Real Moste C.F. vs Portsmouth and AS Radgona vs fc david offer a genuine route to prominence for the winners.
Recent history still casts a long shadow. Grosuplje Dreamteam lifted last season’s trophy with a narrow final win over Borussia Dortmund, and Dortmund return this round with unfinished business as they travel to leke. With so many fixtures in play and no previous-round matches to soften expectations, Slovenia’s cup reaches a decisive moment here — one where survival, rather than style, is likely to define who moves on.
Four active ties shape Round 6, led by an all–Eerste Klasse clash: Merchtem2016 vs kfc de preistampers. Elsewhere, Sasboys (Eerste Klasse) and EA SERREKES (Eerste Klasse) both navigate 2de Klasse opposition, while eendracht take on A.C. Milan 1899 with tier separation adding extra jeopardy.
Six active ties make for a full Round 6 slate, with the Superligaen strongly represented. Sørby IF vs Lykking, FC Rido vs Sundby KFUM, and Ishøj Soccer Club vs Insomniac FC all remove top-tier rivals directly, while mixed-tier ties like Wunderfull Copenhagen vs FC Vendia and Skjetten Tigres vs Skuldborg Vikings test how seriously the favourites take the cup.
The previous round already showed how tight this competition can get: Boldklubben Herning Fremad needed extra time to eliminate Carnap Kickers, with Tobias Schaller’s 101st-minute strike deciding a match that swung on patience rather than chances.
Twelve fixtures headline Round 6, and the depth of the draw makes it one of the week’s flagship cups. Several all–LIGUE 1 ties guarantee heavy casualties, including FOOTBALL CLUB POULIDOR vs SID LYONNAIS and FC Katon vs FC Palestine, while mixed-tier matchups keep favourites on alert — Rookies F.C vs paris ST Germain and OLIVE ET TOM vs Tnaz Team ⁹⁴ among them.
The previous round carried a statement performance: OLIVE ET TOM hit Gunny FC for four in a 4–2 win, overturning pressure with ruthless finishing and underlining why the holders still cast a shadow over this tournament.
Seven active ties stretch Round 4 across the divisions. The all–Serie A headline is Barzot Team vs Chipperfield, while mixed-tier matchups like Venice United (Serie A) vs RealKuntakinte2022 (Serie B-1) and Il Circolino (Serie A) facing ippogrifo (Serie B-2) keep favourites honest.
The previous round already delivered a telling signal: Realjoggi beat AC Vitasana 2–1, recovering from an early setback and showing the kind of composure that travels well in knockout rounds.
Six matches make Round 4 a proper test of depth, with multiple Prva liga clubs drawn into mixed-tier danger. Returnees vs Shamrock Rovers headlines the top-flight action, while Grobari Berane (Prva liga) and Yellow Pillow (Druga A liga) collide in a tie that can swing quickly on discipline.
Last round brought a notable upset: O.F.K. Ostrog beat Nottingham Forest FC 2–1, taking control after the break and proving this cup will not protect reputations.
Eleven active ties turn Round 6 into one of the week’s major slates, with the Eredivisie heavily involved. All–top-flight clashes like DeDonnys vs Wrexham AFC, AZ ALKMAAR FC vs Carlstad United, and Slayer vs Lazio Berkel guarantee elite exits, while several mixed-tier draws ask favourites to prove focus on the road.
Last round, DeDonnys edged Abel United 1–0, a tight win that underlined how little separates contenders once the bracket starts removing safety nets.
Four matches headline Round 4, including two all–Tippeligaen ties: Lillestrøm Sportsklubb vs Bella FC and Oftebro United vs Super Leeds. Mighty Bears F.C. (Tippeligaen) also face a mixed-tier test against Vandalen FC (Adeccoligaen), while Kazor Villains vs Manchester City F.C. keeps the second tier alive.
The previous round delivered strong statements: Mighty Bears F.C. swept aside derby county fc 3–0, and Super Leeds survived a tense 2–1 win over BALUBA FC — exactly the kind of narrow escape that can fuel a deep cup run.
Thirteen matches drive Round 6, and the mix is ruthless: multiple Superliga clubs draw tier drops with no margin for complacency. The headline is the all–top-flight clash S. C. Pena d´Alva vs ODC WaRrIoRz v2, while Gil Vicente vs Sport Lisboa e Benfica carries enormous weight as a direct Liga de honra vs Superliga collision.
With last season’s champions FC Saense still shaping expectations, ties like FC Saense vs Futebol Clube do Porto and the cluster of Superliga vs 3ª liga matchups will decide whether Portugal’s elite keep control — or whether the cup opens up for a new story.
Five matches headline Round 4, with Primera Division clubs repeatedly thrown into mixed-tier danger. The marquee tie is Espongis vs Athletic Bilbao, while Drunks Oilers, Spartak Los Navazos, and Team Seise CF all navigate opponents from below. With Espongis the reigning champions, every round feels like a target on their back.
One match: Rutger Boll Klubb vs Slovenia Dreamteam, an all–Allsvenskan elimination. The previous round already delivered drama, as SuperIbra advanced on penalties after a 2–2 draw with Gnuville BK, showing that even strong favourites can be dragged into a shootout if they switch off.
One match: FC Albisrieden (Super league) vs Fussballclub Zürich (Challenge League), a classic top-vs-second-tier cup test where discipline matters more than possession.
Nine active matches make for a packed Round 6, and the headline is the volume of Premiere Division head-to-heads. WATlemcen & CCSig vs Kahla & Hamra, Banu Zayan FC vs USM.GAZA, and FC Green Gunners vs alger united all guarantee top-flight eliminations. The defending champions MPAlger (Super D2 B) remain in play, while Mouloudia Club Oran (Premiere Division) face a tricky test against USMA united (Super D2 A).
Only two active fixtures, but both carry weight. Racing Club de Avellaneda (Primera División) meet River Plate (Primera B) in a classic tier-crossing tie, while gprogokidugout vs CD Banfield forces a Primera División side out of the bracket. With last season’s crown going to racing club, the pressure stays on the top tier to control the narrative.
Two active ties open Round 2: Étoile Bordjienne vs FC Newmarket is an all–Canadian Premier League meeting, while Winkler FC vs Calgary Blazers keeps the League 1 bracket moving.
Two all–Campeonato Chileno fixtures headline Round 4: Athletic Valhalla vs CDP Curico Unido and Club de Deportes Concepción vs Lexeros Futbol Club. Curico Unido arrive with momentum after a clinical 1–0 win over Deportivo Chiloe last round, when Jerzy Lesinski struck early and the back line held firm under pressure.
Two active fixtures shape Round 4: Arhuacos Sporting Club (Liga Dimayor) face Scarlatas Sporting Club (Torneo Dimayor), while Cúcuta Deportivo F.C. vs Atletico Bucaramanga is a straight Torneo Dimayor fight for progression.
The previous stage set the tone for late chaos. Mallama Jaguares survived a shootout after a 1–1 draw with Yami F.C, while Tiquanda FC struck twice after the break to beat Atlético Nacional S. A. 2–1, punishing a strong start with ruthless efficiency.
Two active ties: Atlético SCOT vs Universitario de Deportes is a direct Prva elimination, while Fc vieja gloria meet Coloso de Respeto in a lower-tier crossover that can open the bracket for whoever advances.
Four matches headline Round 4, including the marquee all–Championship tie NY Cosmos vs Galaxy LA. Mixed-tier pressure also appears in FC Seher Bosna vs Beyond and Rockledge FL vs TeamScout, while Rabbid Badgers vs Rolex Romero keeps the second tier moving.
One match: Zulia FC (1era Division) vs Red Bull Guayana (2da División), with extra bite given the official rename note: Rayo Zuliano is now Red Bull Guayana for season 51, ensuring the cup story and the identity shift collide on the pitch.
