Welsh Cup (Wales) 2025/26

The Welsh Cup (Cwpan Cymru) stands as the oldest national football knockout competition in the world. Founded in 1877 by the Football Association of Wales, it operates independently of the domestic league pyramid. The tournament serves as the most prestigious domestic cup in Wales, offering a unique pathway for clubs from various levels to compete on a national stage.

Participation includes all men's clubs affiliated with the Football Association of Wales that meet ground standards. Clubs in the top three tiers must enter, while those in Tier 4 and below may join voluntarily. In the 2025–26 season, a record 272 teams took part. The structure relies on a straight knockout format with no group stages. To reduce travel for smaller sides, the competition starts with regional qualifying rounds split into North and South sections. Higher-ranked teams enter later in the process, and from the third round, the draw becomes an open national contest.

Victories in the early rounds are decided over 90 minutes without extra time, moving straight to a penalty shootout if scores are level. Replays are rarely used in the modern era. Securing the trophy provides automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League, though it does not affect league promotion or relegation.

Historically, Wrexham A.F.C. leads with 23 titles, followed closely by Cardiff City with 22. Swansea City and The New Saints have each won ten times. The current defending champions are Caernarfon Town, who claimed their first title in the 2025–26 season. The competition remains distinct from other Welsh tournaments, such as the FAW Trophy, which is limited to lower-level clubs, and the Nathaniel MG Cup, which focuses on the top tiers. English clubs are currently excluded from participation.