Erste Liga Cup (Switzerland) 2025/26

The Erste Liga Cup operates as a domestic knockout tournament for clubs competing in the fourth tier of Swiss football. While the main national cup includes teams from all levels, this specific competition is restricted to the 1. Liga Classic, creating a distinct pathway for lower-league sides. The event typically features between 40 and 48 participants in a straight elimination format. Historical traces of a cup bearing the name 1. Liga exist from the early 1930s. FC Luzern defeated FC Grenchen 7–0 in the 1933–34 final recorded by archives. Modern continuity is less clear, with current iterations tracked largely by data aggregators rather than official Swiss Football Association (SFV) summaries. No comprehensive list of all-time winners or a definitive founding year for the contemporary version is available. Recent activity includes a 2–0 victory for Mendrisio over Muttenz in the 2024–25 season. Participation is limited to the fourth tier, meaning teams like Köniz, Portalban / Gletterens, Buochs, Pully Football, Widnau, and Gossau compete here rather than relying solely on regional qualification for the broader Swiss Cup. The structure avoids complex tie-breaking rules documented in public sources, focusing instead on single-leg encounters.

The tournament fills a niche for clubs below the Promotion League. It provides a competitive fixture distinct from the Swiss Cup, which requires separate qualification based on league standing. The event maintains a consistent knockout style without return legs.