The Algerian Cup for the 2025/2026 season will officially commence on the weekend of 12 and 13 September 2025, starting with the regional phase of the popular national competition.
During its most recent meeting held on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the competition’s calendar.
The session featured a detailed presentation by Lahcene Tombouktou, a federal member and head of the organising commission, who laid out the structure of this season’s edition.
The national phase of the tournament is scheduled to kick off with the 32nd-final round on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December.
A formal draw ceremony will be held in advance to determine the matchups leading up to the final, which has been scheduled for 20 November 2025.
One notable regulation was reiterated by the federal office regarding the quarter-final stage.
The team drawn first in each pairing will have the right to host the match, provided their stadium is certified for the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
VAR will officially be implemented in the tournament from the quarter-finals onwards.
In addition to outlining the Cup’s schedule, officials also confirmed the date of the 2025 Algerian Super Cup final.
It will take place on 26 December and will feature a highly anticipated derby between reigning league champions MC Alger and the winners of the 2024/2025 Algerian Cup, USM Alger.
The all-Algiers clash is expected to generate significant fanfare and local interest.
Despite the clear structure and planning for the upcoming competition, the federal office did not provide any clarification on whether the prize money for the Algerian Cup will be increased.
The issue remains a point of interest for participating clubs, particularly those aiming to lift the trophy and secure a financial boost.
2026 Algerian Cup match schedule:
- 32nd Final: Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December 2025
- Round of 16: Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December 2025
- Round of 8 (Last 16): Thursday 1, Friday 2, and Saturday 3 January 2026
- Quarter-Finals: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February 2026
- Semi-Finals: Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February 2026
- Final: Friday 1 May 2026
With regional fixtures poised to begin in September, anticipation is building for a vibrant new season of the Algerian Cup—a competition rich in tradition and known for its dramatic upsets and passionate local rivalries.
