South Korea's National Cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs are already through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its main thread: YooSin 태권도 lifted the trophy with a 3:0 final win over fc olleh. With Yeongjongdo Island, fc olleh and Andong Mackerels all starting the league perfectly, the later rounds should carry plenty of weight.
Chinese Cup opens with a quiet preliminary step, as almost the entire field moves straight through and only four places need deciding on the pitch.
The real story waits in the later rounds. Holders lanxingxing lifted last season’s cup with a 4:1 final win over xiaotian-inter, while Tongzhou Lions also reached the semifinals. With xiaotian-inter and Tongzhou Lions already sharp in the league, the repeat chase could heat up quickly.
Thai Cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need settling on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: Nongneng lifted the trophy after edging Uttaradit Blades 1:0 in the final. Atilico de nezzuri and Tak Tigers also reached the semifinals, and both already look capable of pushing the bigger league leaders once the cup properly opens up.
Eesti Karikas moved from byes into action with the main Meistriliiga names doing what was expected. Holders FC Õieke opened with an 11:0 win, while last season’s finalists Football Club Tallinna Ariel hit 26 and FC Revolution added 18.
The next step still offers few obvious danger ties, so the focus stays on control: Black Mount FC, JK LÕVID, Jumalad and the holders all need to keep the draw orderly.
Miesten Suomen cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the round its main hook: Sudet lifted the trophy with a 3:0 final win over Universe, after FC Rising Force and Nilsiän Pallo-Haukat fell in the semifinals. With FC Kuusysi leading the league early, the later rounds could get crowded quickly.
The Latvian Cup has already offered one major top-flight scrap, with defending holders Lauki surviving FC Bandits on penalties after a 0:0 draw. That was the standout review point from the previous round, while most other Virslīga sides advanced through far more routine ties. Preiļu BJSS have made the loudest scoring start, with Edgars Auzins already leading the cup chart on 15 goals.
The next round brings two all-Virslīga ties. Spars against Preiļi looks the sharper one: Spars are unbeaten in the league and were knocked out by eventual winners Lauki in last season’s quarterfinals, while Preiļi have shown enough cup firepower to be dangerous. FK Jurmala against A J Bramlett carries a different kind of intrigue, with last season’s beaten finalists trying to wake up after a slow league start.
LFF Taure opens with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its weight: RFS edged Jurbarko FK Lūšis 3:2 in the final after Futbolo Klubas Ekranas and Fb Kaunas fell in the semifinals. With RFS, Futbolo Klubas Ekranas and Jurbarko FK Lūšis all perfect in the league, the later rounds already look loaded.
Holders March On as Cluj and Abatorul Face Awkward Cup Tests
The Cupa României has already produced plenty of huge scorelines, but the more telling results from the previous round were the ones involving the established contenders. Defending cup winners Abatorul Slobozia moved through with a clean 5:0 win over Valahia, while league leaders Universitatea Cluj were even more emphatic, beating Tigers9:0. Both now face second-tier opponents, and neither tie looks entirely routine: Abatorul visit Clubul Sportiv al Armatei, while Cluj meet Apulum, who sit mid-table in Divizia B1 but arrive with a large cup win behind them.
Last season’s finalists AFC Atletico Mangalia also advanced impressively, and their meeting with C A Independiente has upset potential despite the division gap. Independiente are not high in Divizia C8, but they have scored heavily in the cup and already have Furkan Cetin among the competition’s leading scorers.
There are several other top-flight traps. F.C.PRETOR travel to Venus Bucuresti, a fourth-tier side with good cup momentum, while Triton FC visit FC CORABIA, whose attack has been one of the loudest in the competition so far. Navigator also have a tricky trip to Fc.Arges, and Podgoria Murfatlar must deal with Juris, a competitive Divizia C7 side.
The all-lower-division ties add depth to the round. www.CupaLigii.ro against Donaukinder pairs a perfect Divizia C4 leader with a strong Divizia C8 challenger, while F.C.M. BRASOV against GLORIA, f.c. vaslui against FC OȚELUL GALAȚI, and BONDARII against FC U. CRAIOVA all look capable of producing closer contests than the early rounds suggested.
Kupa e Shqipërisë begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its edge: Jezerca FC beat Stratiots 3:2 in the final, after both semifinals had gone the distance. With Jezerca FC, Venator Academy FC and DREAM F.C all perfect in the league, the later rounds already look dangerous.
The English National Cup has mostly been about clearing early hurdles so far, but Rougemont Rovers already look like one of the more interesting top-flight names in the draw. Last season’s semifinalists came through the previous round with ease and followed it by beating Atletico De Madrid 4:1 in the Premiership, a timely response after their heavy league defeat to Albion Allstars.
Their tie with The Shire Rats is the headline match between the listed sides. The Rats sit low in Championship B, but they did win their cup opener clearly and have enough incentive to turn a difficult league start into a cup story.
The other focus is Winchcombe FC against Arun Athletic. Winchcombe are still looking for their first league points in Championship A, while Arun have started League 1 G perfectly with a huge goal difference. On form, the lower-level side may be the one carrying the louder warning sign.
Irish Cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, with most clubs already moving through by bye and only four places still to be decided on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its shape: Myaella Fc lifted the trophy after beating Leinster Lions 2:1 in the final, while SportingHaroldsCross and dubs4sam fell one round earlier. With Irish Villa Mob flying in the league, the later rounds may quickly sharpen.
W trzeciej rundzie Pucharu Polski dojdzie do kilku bardzo ciekawych pojedynków.
Hitem będzie starcie liderów – lidera Ekstraklasy GialloRossi Wilkowice oraz lidera drugiej ligi, grupy 2 – KP Tofik Wrocław. Obie drużyny są na fali i zgromadziły po 10 punktów w czterech ligowych meczach. Faworytem jest zespół z Wilkowic, ale jak wiemy – w Pucharze Polski wszystko może się zdarzyć.
Ciekawie zapowiada się także kolejne starcie Ekstraklasa kontra druga liga. Obrońca Pucharu Polski – KS Mosquito Zabrze – zmierzy się z FC KukośBT. Zapowiada się elektryzujący pojedynek środkowych pomocników – gwiazdy Kukosia, Leszka Dziedziczaka, oraz Roberta Srny. Faworytem są popularne Komary, ale Dziedziczak potrafi strzelić każdemu.
W pozostałych spotkaniach Tornado Cmolas podejmie MKS Chojniczanka 1930 Chojnice, KS Luborzanka Luborzyca zmierzy się z wiceliderem drugiej ligi, grupy 1 – Dzikiem Marcinkowice, a Rzeznia Dolna zagra z PilacikiStb.
To z pewnością będzie ciekawy dzień pełen pucharowych emocji!
Polish Cup – Round 3!
The third round of the Polish Cup will bring several very interesting matchups.
The headline clash will see the league leaders go head-to-head – Ekstraklasa leaders GialloRossi Wilkowice will face Second Division Group 2 leaders KP Tofik Wrocław. Both teams are in excellent form and have collected 10 points from four league matches. GialloRossi are the favourites, but as we know, anything can happen in the Polish Cup.
Another intriguing Ekstraklasa vs. Second Division clash awaits us as defending Polish Cup champions KS Mosquito Zabrze take on FC KukośBT. This match promises an electrifying battle in central midfield between Kukoś's star Leszek Dziedziczak and Robert Srna. The popular Mosquitoes are the favourites, but Dziedziczak is capable of scoring against anyone.
In the other matches, Tornado Cmolas will host MKS Chojniczanka 1930 Chojnice, KS Luborzanka Luborzyca will face Second Division Group 1 runners-up Dzik Marcinkowice, while Rzeznia Dolna will take on PilacikiStb.
It is sure to be an exciting day full of Polish Cup action!
Scotland's National cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: Celtic lifted the trophy after edging Kirn FC 2:1 after extra time. Fife Funk FC and Dundonald Bluebell also reached the semifinals, while Wallace Army F.C have opened the league as the early side to chase.
Hajduk Sydney Begin Defence as Superliga Sides Face Tricky Draws
The Kup Srbije has moved beyond the early clearing stage, and the next round gives several Superliga clubs awkward assignments rather than simple passage. Last season’s winners, FK Hajduk Sydney 06', opened their defence with a heavy win and now face ФК Мионица. With Hajduk also back in the top half of the league after beating Roundabout2:0, they look well placed to keep both campaigns alive.
Last season’s beaten finalists VOZD Utd. have a more interesting test. They meet B A B E S, a second-tier side sitting close to the top of Druga liga B. VOZD reached the final last season after knocking out FK Midfild and fontana, so this is a useful early measure of whether another deep run is realistic.
The standout upset warning may be Salashi against F.C. Mali Supermeni. Mali Supermeni are third in the Superliga and have started strongly, but Salashi lead Treca liga E, remain unbeaten, and scored 19 in the previous cup round. FK Radnik Bijeljina also need to be careful against Bratstvo Su07, who top Treca liga F and have been prolific so far.
SOBG against Club de Futbol Dve Sarme and FK Mandjupa against Mocni Veprovi give second-tier clubs direct shots at struggling top-flight opponents. FC Lazies face a lively Red Star side, while the all-third-tier ties between Vitezovi1389 and FK Berkasovo, FK Zemun and Клуб Саве Шумановића, and fontana and Dinamo T should help reveal which lower-division contenders are genuine cup threats.
Publius Cornelius Scipio African vs. Efsane.1925 🏛️⚔️
In this top-flight derby, Roman general Scipio takes the field fully equipped against Izmir's legendary spirit, Efsane. In a clash reminiscent of the historic Punic Wars, if Scipio sends his war elephants onto the pitch, how the Efsane defense responds to this tactical move will be one of the biggest mysteries of the round.
Trabzonspor vs. The Akar 🌊🎯
League leaders Trabzonspor host lower-division side The Akar, who have yet to earn a single point. While the away team arrives with dreams of a cup miracle, that dream usually ends in a quiet, solemn bus ride home on this tough away trip. Still, as they say in football—anything can happen!
Çankırıspor vs. Besiktas_bik_1903 🧂🦅
Ambitious side Çankırıspor have set their sights on their lower-tier, black-and-white opponents, Beşiktaş. The home side plans to neutralize the opposition's attack with a defense as tough and unyielding as Çankırı's famous rock salt.
AGRESİF GERGEDANLAR vs. Galatasaray.Sk 🦏🦁
Chasing the top spots, Aggressive Rhinos are looking to test their luck against top-flight giant Galatasaray. True to their name, the Rhinos will enter the pitch fearlessly, guaranteeing that the favorites will have to sweat through every minute of this tie.
konyaspor4242 vs. Mahtandoz FK 🥙🌪️
Having collected steady points to declare "I'm in this race too," Konyaspor host Mahtandoz, a strong Black Sea team from the top tier. The visiting side hopes to boost their morale after a slow start to the season, but Konyaspor's hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven high press might just ruin their game plan.
⚡️⚡️⚡️BEŞİKTAŞ vs. ADO team ⚡️🛡️
In this battle between two tough lower-tier sides, Beşiktaş aim to strike down ADO team with lightning-fast attacks to secure a spot in the next round.
Taktik Maktik Yok Bam Bam Bam Spor Kulübü vs. GÖNENSPOR 💥🏆
Famous for their wild manager and talented youth prospects, No Tactics Just Bam Bam Bam SC are chasing an unthinkable upset against reigning champions Gönenspor. With the only tactic on the whiteboard being "press high and shoot on sight," the champions won't even know what hit them.
Sersel Spor Kulübü vs. Ejder 3200 Futbol Kulübü 🐉🔥
In this lower-tier derby, Sersel SC go head-to-head with Ejder FC. While Ejder arrive ready to breathe fire onto the pitch, Sersel's relentless street grit and tight pressing promise to turn this match into an absolute dogfight.
FENERBAHCE S.K. vs. BLACK LİON 🐤🦁
Host side Fenerbahçe aim to bring their signature stadium atmosphere to the pitch to avoid any surprises against lower-tier Black Lion, though the little details will decide whether they can escape the pouncing claws of the Black Lions.
incomparable king vs. kapan6spor 👑🪤
In another lower-tier derby, Incomparable King face off against Kapan Spor. Whether the "Incomparable King" will claim his throne or fall into the clever trap laid by his rivals remains one of the round's biggest questions.
Samsunspor vs. Fenerbahçe SK. 🔴🟡
Black Sea representatives Samsunspor want to make full use of their home-field advantage against Fenerbahçe, a side searching for their glorious past. Whether the rough Black Sea weather or veteran experience prevails is something we'll see on the pitch.
Bold Pilot vs. Sarı Lacivert 🐎💨
Fighting for a place near the top, Bold Pilot look for a way forward against lower-tier side Sarı Lacivert. Who crosses the finish line ahead after two rounds feels just like a championship race down the final stretch.
umut&utku kardesler fc vs. Olympique de Sydney F.C 👬🦘
With points banked in their group, Umut and Utku Brothers FC host Olympique de Sydney, a team riding an undefeated streak. We will watch and see if brotherhood and teamwork can overcome the bouncing momentum of the Australian kangaroos.
Vanzemaljci Utd. supplied the clearest second-round drama, edging FK Sloboda Tuzla on penalties, while holders FC Peacocks almighty moved through without stress.
The next round’s main tie is clear: Cuhovici meet Plavi in a clash of perfect Prva Liga B starts. With both scoring freely and still unbeaten, this is the cup’s first real measuring stick outside the top flight.
The Croatian Cup has moved quickly through its early one-sided stage, but the next round finally gives two top-flight sides awkward draws. Defending cup winners Fight United Elite begin the serious part of their defence against Pilot, who sit second in Druga HNL A and remain unbeaten in league play. Both sides warmed up with 11-goal and 19-goal cup wins respectively, but Pilot’s league form makes this far more than a routine level gap.
Gružanin Football Club also face a lower-tier warning sign in Kardio FC. Gružanin already beat Fight United Elite in the league this season, but they arrive from a heavy defeat to West Herzegowina UTD FC, so the response matters. Kardio have struggled in Druga HNL A, yet their 19:0 cup win suggests enough firepower to punish a slow start. With few balanced ties on the slate, these two carry most of the round’s intrigue.
Czech Supercup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its main thread: RC Victoria Moravia edged FC Romulus 1:0 in the final, after FC Romulus had stopped F.C. Viktoria Plzen in the semifinals. With F.C. Viktoria Plzen and RC Victoria Moravia both perfect in the league, the later rounds already have a heavyweight feel.
Vereinspokal begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season ended with Elegant Elephants beating Omega FC 2:0 in the final, after FC St. Pauli and Bayer 04 Leverkusen fell in the semifinals. With Kicker der Kokosnuss, Berlin Hertha FC and Forest Club setting the early league pace, the later rounds should quickly get sharper.
Slovak Cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its shape: MB footbal club beat FC Soldiers 2:0 in the final, after FC Jezury Sered and FC Restig Penguins fell one round earlier. With Spartak Trnava FC setting the early league pace, the later rounds should sharpen quickly.
Jesihdorf Stun Grosuplje as Slovenian Cup Opens Into a Minefield
The Slovenski Državni Pokal already has its first major top-level casualty. Grosuplje FC, current leaders of the Prva SNL, were knocked out by NK Jesihdorf in a tight 2:1 result, a far more meaningful upset than the many one-sided scorelines around the draw. Jesihdorf, perfect in Druga SNL Zahod, now get another useful test against VEL 14 FC, while Grosuplje are left to focus on protecting their league lead.
The cup holders, FC Soccer Academy Red Bull, had no such problem, beating Deportivo Borussia11:1 as their defence began smoothly. Last season’s finalists Olimpija 1911 also advanced emphatically and now face Djebo Team, who are near the top of Tretja SNL F and have shown enough scoring form to make that one worth watching.
The standout tie, though, is a rare all-Prva SNL meeting: Neverwalkalone against FC Podgurje. Their league meeting finished 3:3, but both arrive from very different weekends — Neverwalkalone were beaten heavily by Grosuplje Dreamteam, while Podgurje lost 4:0 to Olimpija 1911. This is a quick chance for one of them to steady the season.
There are several dangerous cross-division fixtures too. Grosuplje Dreamteam face a sharp FC Tasmanian Devils side, perfect in Tretja SNL H, while FC KATALONIJA. host Grosuplje United FC after scoring freely in the previous round. Borussia Dortmund should be wary of Fc hrast, who lead their regional league with a perfect record and huge goal difference. With Real Moste C.F., FC Poochies, NK Tibolci, Portsmouth and NK Plesh United all drawn into competitive-looking ties, this round has enough traps to make the favourites work.
Merchtem2016 and FC Goldstar both cleared the previous round loudly, keeping last season’s finalists safely in the draw. FC Goldstar were especially ruthless, while the holders showed no sign of an early cup wobble.
The next round’s main intrigue sits lower down, where R.S.C. Anderlecht meet GoZiWeAs. GoZiWeAs arrive in solid second-tier form, but R.S.C. Anderlecht have already shown enough scoring power to make this a proper cup test.
FC Legoland supplied the previous round’s main drama, edging FC Bulderbold 3:2 and stopping the second-tier side’s perfect league momentum from turning into a cup run. Holders Borsholm-Skibstrup IF moved through far more comfortably, keeping their defence on track.
The next round’s spotlight falls on Ishøj Soccer Club against Lykking. Ishøj Soccer Club lead the Superligaen with four wins from four, but Lykking have been explosive in 1. Division A, scoring 62 in four league matches and 16 in the last cup round. This is the tie most likely to test the top-flight favourite properly.
The Coupe de France is still packed with mismatches, but two ties stand out because the lower-level sides arrive with genuine form behind them. Mouloudia Chaabiya Alger have been ruthless so far, following a 14:0 cup win with a perfect league start in National 3h and a 60:1 goal record. That makes their meeting with OS FIVES CLUB far more interesting than the level gap suggests, even with OS FIVES sitting solidly in the upper half of Ligue 2a and coming off an 18:0 cup win of their own.
The other headline sends SID LYONNAIS against Olympique de LYON. SID are third in Ligue 2a and were emphatic in the previous round, but Olympique de LYON lead National 3g with four wins from four and 46 goals scored. With both sides arriving in heavy scoring form, this looks like the round’s cleanest upset warning.
Coppa Italia begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its shape: Il Circolino lifted the trophy with a 4:0 final win over Chipperfield, after Real Cambo and Navigli UTD fell in the semifinals. With Barzot Team leading a tight Serie A start and the holders still unbeaten, the later rounds should quickly gain weight.
Nacionalni kup Crne Gore begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its shape: Nottingham Forest FC lifted the trophy after a 1:0 final win over OFK BAR, while For The Alliance and San Stefano FC fell in the semifinals. With For The Alliance leading the league early and OFK BAR close behind, the later rounds should quickly get sharper.
Top Flight Survives the Sweep as SSSE and Dutch Lions Face Awkward Tests
The National cup produced few problems for the Eredivisie sides last time out, with all twelve top-level clubs moving through. PEC Zwolle, AZ ALKMAAR FC, SSSE, DeDonnys, SC Pink, Fc Fartree, Ceasar Empire, Carlstad United, Slayer, Lazio Berkel, Dutch Lions and FCTWENTE76 all avoided the sort of early trouble that can define a cup campaign. Most did so emphatically, though the real tests are only now beginning to appear.
The most interesting top-flight assignment may belong to SSSE. They visit FC De Vriesjes, a second-tier side that already scored heavily in the previous round and sits mid-table in Eerste Divisie B. SSSE are third in the Eredivisie, but their league form just took a hit with a 1:0 defeat to Slayer, so this tie arrives at a useful moment for a response.
Dutch Lions also face a potentially uncomfortable evening away to Lucky Eleven. The Lions are still searching for their first league win, while Lucky Eleven have already shown cup bite and sit close enough in Eerste Divisie A to make this more than a routine level-gap fixture.
The lower-division spotlight is even sharper. Jyväskylän Jalkapalloklubi have been absurdly dominant in Hoofdklasse A, with four wins and a 94:0 goal record, and now face DierenArk Haarlem. Ridgesister FC, perfect in Hoofdklasse C, meet IJs van Caraco, while De Musschen take on BlueDevilS in another third-versus-second-tier tie with upset potential. The big names cruised through once; this round should tell us far more.
Norway's National cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: Oftebro United lifted the trophy after edging Mighty Bears F.C. 1:0 in the final, with Torden and derby county fc falling in the semifinals. With Mighty Bears F.C. and Oftebro United both perfect in the league, the later rounds already have a rematch waiting in the background.
Galacticos Begin Defence Smoothly as Saense and WaRrIoRz Face Ambitious Challengers
The Taça de Portugal has mostly been a sorting exercise so far, but the holders have made the expected statement. Galacticos C.P., last season’s cup winners after an extra-time final victory over Sá FC, returned with a heavy win in the previous round and now continue their defence against Lion Heart FC. With Galacticos also second in the Superliga, this is already shaping up as another campaign where they may have to balance domestic ambition on two fronts.
The other top-flight sides largely avoided drama as well. FC Saense, ODC WaRrIoRz v2, New Order, Sumolix Stars, Sá FC, alfistas, Vale Pisão and Sport Machados da Surriba all advanced with comfortable scorelines, though the next round offers a more interesting test for some of them. FC Saense host Os Bregas FC, who are perfect in 3ª liga C and have not conceded in the league. That makes the tie more dangerous than the level gap suggests.
ODC WaRrIoRz v2 face a similar warning against Nullpointer, another third-tier leader with four wins from four. WaRrIoRz remain unbeaten in the Superliga, but Nullpointer’s league record and strong cup scoring give that match real upset potential.
Among the lower-division pairings, Associaçao Lobos d Oeiras against Amaral SuperSport stands out. Lobos are flying in 3ª liga G, while Amaral sit mid-pack in Liga de honra B, so this could be one of the cleaner tests of third-tier momentum against second-tier experience. Vitoria de Setubal against Covense also looks lively, with Vitoria perfect and yet to concede, while Covense arrive from the upper half of 3ª liga H. The big names remain favourites, but this round finally gives the chasers a few credible routes to make noise.
Spain's National cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: Drunks Oilers lifted the trophy after a goalless final against Brian Boitano's, winning 8:7 on penalties. Their league start has been rough, while Portela, Espongis and KaKaTuaS are already setting the pace, so the later rounds could quickly become a test of whether the holders can recover their cup edge.
Sweden's National cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart plenty of colour: Slovenia Dreamteam edged Norrlandsfotboll FC 5:4 after extra time in a wild final, after both had won their semifinals clearly. With Nordic Vikings perfect in the league and IFK Hägersten also unbeaten, the later rounds should quickly bring the serious tests back.
The steelheads had to work for their place, edging FC KOFA 1:0 after extra time in the previous round. Around them, the bigger names were far more comfortable: fc walhalla hit 31, FC Albisrieden scored 26, and FC vor dem Hund added 18.
The next round looks lighter on direct danger, so the pressure shifts to control. Holders fc walhalla continue against Fc King Boss 93, while The steelheads and FC Albisrieden try to keep their perfect league momentum from turning into an early cup wobble.
League Pairing Headlines Algeria’s Cup as Holders Prepare Their Defence
The Coupe d'Algérie reaches a sharper stage with several Premiere division clubs still looking comfortable, but the draw has produced one immediate top-flight clash. MPAlger against Itihad.Riadi.Ouled.Nail is the standout tie on paper, not least because both sides entered the cup in strong scoring form. MPAlger swept through their opener 13:0, while Itihad followed with an 8:0 win, but their league meeting ended 1:1, suggesting this one should be far closer than those cup scorelines.
The defending cup winners, USM.GAZA, are still in the competition after a huge previous-round win and now face clubwiwi. Their route carries extra interest after last season’s final victory over RC Kouba, who also advanced emphatically and now meet wifak birkhadem. Kouba’s league form has been even stronger since, including an 11:0 win over Banu Zayan FC, so the holders and last season’s finalists both remain major reference points.
There are dangerous cross-division tests too. USMKouba visit USMA united, with the second-tier side sitting high in Super D2 A and good enough to make this uncomfortable. Mouloudia Club Oran face a similar challenge against WATlemcen & CCSig, who are near the top of Super D2 B and scored freely in the last round.
Among the all-second-tier ties, Jeunesse Sportif Madinet Tlemcen against FC L'VATATA looks especially promising. L’VATATA are perfect in Super D2 A, while Tlemcen sit in the upper half of Super D2 B and have already shown cup power. Kahla & Hamra against SS Lazio Algiers offers another useful measure, while Sheva, led by cup scoring leader Andreas Schadler, will expect to avoid trouble against Mediterranean Dome.
Copa Argentina begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: Celeste Jrs. lifted the trophy after edging AC Olympic 3:2 after extra time, with Motive Club and Los Garrafas falling in the semifinals. With Celeste Jrs. also perfect in the league and VALIANT SOUL (F.C.) and Motive Club still unbeaten, the later rounds already have a strong top-flight shape.
Top-Flight Clubs Advance, but Touro Fall as Round Four Raises the Stakes
The Copa do Brasil has reached the point where the draw is beginning to bite. Most of the Campeonato Brasileiro sides came through the previous round with room to spare: Candal FC, São Paulo F.C., Udi City F.C, Nivek United, Avanti Palestra!, Guará E.C and Atlético Potiguar all advanced, several of them with heavy scorelines. But the headline upset came elsewhere, as Touro do Sertão were knocked out by Abelizado FC in a tight 2:1 match — exactly the sort of result that gives the lower divisions belief before the next wave of ties.
Geny F.C also had to work harder than most, edging Bento FC1:0, while Desportivo Sol earned a useful 1:0 win over Revelação F.C. Last season’s beaten finalists are still alive, and their next assignment away to ornitorrinco looks dangerous: the fourth-tier side lead their division with four wins from four and only one goal conceded.
The standout fixture may be The Walking Dead against Candal FC. Candal are in the top three of the Brasileiro and reached this round in emphatic style, but The Walking Dead lead II Divisão B1 and are unbeaten domestically. That is the kind of cup pairing where reputation and form collide.
São Paulo F.C., current Brasileiro leaders, face another intriguing test against RuPaul's Drags Team, who sit high in III Divisão C4 and have already piled up goals in the cup. Udi City travel to a powerful Mangabeirense FC, while Guará meet a dangerous Trem-Rasta da Colina. Avanti Palestra! also cannot overlook Sobradinho Esporte Clube, and Big Soccer FC face a sharp EC Sírio side. The big names survived last time, but this round looks far less forgiving.
Copa Chile begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart a clear favourite: Deportivo Chiloe lifted the trophy with a 2:0 final win over Lexeros Futbol Club, after both had made dominant semifinal runs. With Deportivo Chiloe already perfect in the league and yet to concede, the later rounds may quickly become a chase to see who can slow the holders down.
Copa Colombia begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish still gives the restart its shape: FC Svargrond beat Yami F.C 4:1 in the final, after Manizales Town and Arhuacos Sporting Club fell in the semifinals. With Cormaya United and Yami F.C both unbeaten at the top of the league, the later rounds should quickly bring the stronger names back into focus.
Copa Peru begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: Vilcabamba CD lifted the trophy with a 3:0 final win over UC Real Lima, after edging Real Madrid CF in the semifinals. The holders have started the league more quietly this time, while Atlético SCOT, FS2001 and Universitario de Deportes have opened sharper, so the later rounds could quickly test the cup hierarchy.
United States of America's National cup begins with a quiet preliminary step, as most clubs move straight through by bye and only four places still need deciding on the pitch.
Last season’s finish gives the restart its hook: NY Cosmos lifted the trophy after a 1:0 final win over FC Seher Bosna, having already edged Telluride Smugglers on penalties in the semifinals. Their league start has been slow, while Galaxy LA lead the early Championship race, so the later rounds may quickly test whether the holders still have their cup edge.
Luxus FC answered their heavy league defeat to Union Atletico Falcón with a ruthless 24:0 cup win, keeping the holders safely on course. Juventus de Venezuela, Real K'tupis FC, Union Atletico Falcón and Tequeños de chocolate also moved through loudly, so the main names avoided any early panic.
The next round looks lighter on direct danger, but there are still useful form checks. Tequeños de chocolate face Vuelos de Fenix F.C, who have started well in 2da División A, while Luxus FC, Juventus de Venezuela and Union Atletico Falcón all need to keep control before the draw begins to sharpen.
