Como Cup 2026/27

The Como Cup stands apart from standard pre-season friendlies by operating as a commercial "football culture festival" rather than an official fixture. Founded in 2025 by Como 1907, the tournament is held at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como, Italy, and carries the branding "Football on the Lake." Unlike domestic leagues, it is not recognised by the FIGC or UEFA, positioning itself as a promotional tool for the Lake Como region alongside a summer preparation window for clubs.

The structure differs significantly from traditional knockout competitions. The current format splits participants into two groups of three, where matches are played in single 45-minute halves. This reduces the total match time compared to standard 90-minute fixtures. When games end in a draw, the outcome is decided by penalty shootouts, ensuring a definitive result without extra time. The 2026 edition expanded the field to six teams, including Lens, Famalicão, Villarreal, Crystal Palace, and Al Ula, joining hosts Como 1907. In the final, Lens secured victory with a 3-1 win over Villarreal.

The event was established by Como 1907, who are managed by Cesc Fàbregas. The inaugural 2025 edition featured four sides: Como 1907, Ajax, Celtic, and Al-Ahli. Como 1907 won that first title by defeating Ajax 3-0 in the final. While the host club benefits from the visibility, the tournament serves a dual purpose as a lifestyle and marketing platform. It aims to combine sport with commercial interests, distinguishing it from purely sporting objectives. The expansion to six teams in 2026 indicates a broadening scope, inviting top European sides to participate in this unique summer gathering.