Coupe Nationale (Algeria) 2025/26

The Algerian Cup stands as the foremost knockout tournament in the country’s football landscape. Organised by the Fédération Algérienne de Football (FAF), the competition operates independently from the domestic league pyramid, serving as a separate pathway to silverware. Its prestige places it at the pinnacle of national cup football, where every tier of the game, from the top flight to amateur divisions, converges in a single-elimination format.

The structure begins with a national phase comprising 64 teams. These participants include clubs from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 alongside the highest amateur tiers, such as the Division Nationale Amateur and Inter-régions, who advance through regional preliminary rounds. The initial stages, including the Round of 64, Round of 32, and Round of 16, are contested in single-legged matches. This single-leg format extends through to the Quarter-finals, while the Semi-finals and Final also follow a one-off format. The concluding match is traditionally held at a neutral venue, most often the Stade du 5 Juillet in Algiers.

Victory in the competition secures two significant accolades: entry into the CAF Confederation Cup and a spot in the Algerian Super Cup. The latter is a distinct fixture played between the league champion and the cup winner, a single match separate from the nationwide tournament. The cup’s history is marked by significant milestones, including periods of suspension during times of instability. Among the clubs competing, ES Sétif is a notable contender among the current field of participants.

USM Alger holds the record for the most titles, with ten victories to their name. This achievement places them ahead of CR Belouizdad, who have secured nine championships, and MC Alger, who have won eight. The competition has seen high-profile moments, including a final attendance of 90,000 spectators in 1976. While the tournament has faced interruptions in the past, it continues to serve as the primary vehicle for determining the country’s cup champion, offering a unique opportunity for clubs across all levels to compete on equal footing.