The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved several changes to the format of the Copa del Rey in its last assembly. Starting next season, the four teams that qualify for the Spanish Super Cup will be in a separate pot in the draws for the round of 32 and round of 16.
This avoids early clashes between the four Super Cup semi-finalists, which in 2026 includes the matches between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club in the first semi-final, while Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid will define the second finalist.
In addition, the four clubs, theoretically of higher hierarchy in the tournament, will play the first two rounds away from home and, unlike the last editions, the round of 32 will be played before Christmas, between December 16 and 18.
Other changes to the Copa del Rey format approved by the RFEF
On the other hand, the RFEF approved to play the preliminary round on a home-and-away basis, with matches scheduled for between Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 (first leg) and Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 (second leg). This phase only includes clubs from regional divisions.
From the first round, the draw will distribute the clubs by geographical proximity, dividing the map of Spain into four regions. In the second round, two groups will be taken into account to draw the pairings, again according to the proximity between the teams.
From the first round to the quarter-finals, all the ties are played in a single match, with the home advantage assigned to the club of lower hierarchy. The semi-finals, again, will be played on a home-and-away basis, as has been implemented since 2019/20.
Thus, Barça will play its first two rounds away from home and will only be able to face Real Madrid, Athletic or Atlético from the quarter-finals onwards. In this phase, the home advantage will be assigned by the draw.
This is the official calendar of the Copa del Rey 2025/26
- Preliminary round (20 teams): First leg: September 27-28. Second leg: October 4-5.
- First round (112 teams): October 28-30, 2025.
- Second round (56 teams): December 4-5, 2025.
- Round of 32: December 16-18, 2025.
- Round of 16: January 13 to 15, 2026.
- Quarter-finals: February 3 to 5, 2026.
- Semi-finals: First leg: February 10-12. Second leg: March 3-5, 2026.
- Final: Saturday, April 25 at La Cartuja (Seville).
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