The Copa de la Reina de Fútbol, officially known as the Copa de Su Majestad la Reina, stands as one of Spain’s most prestigious women’s association football competitions. Organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), this knockout cup tournament brings together top clubs from across the country in a high-stakes battle for glory. Now in its 44th edition for the 2025/2026 season, the Copa de la Reina continues to showcase the growing talent and competitiveness in Spanish women’s football, drawing fans with its dramatic single-elimination format and underdog stories.A Brief History and Legacy. The tournament traces its roots back to 1983, when it was first held under the name Copa de la Reina. Over the decades, it has evolved into a cornerstone of the Spanish football calendar, running parallel to the men’s Copa del Rey. The inaugural winners were Karbo Deportivo in 1983, setting the stage for what would become a fiercely contested event. Today, FC Barcelona holds the record for the most titles, with their dominance reflecting the club’s investment in women’s football. Barcelona are also the defending champions, having lifted the trophy in the previous season, adding extra pressure as they aim to retain their crown. Statistically, the Copa de la Reina is known for its goal-scoring spectacle. In recent seasons, matches have averaged around 3.18 goals per game, underscoring the attacking flair and tactical depth on display. As a professional-level competition, it features 32 teams at the start, including powerhouses from the Primera División (Liga F) and emerging sides from lower divisions, ensuring a mix of experience and fresh ambition.
How the tournament unfolds the 2025/2026 edition adheres to a classic knockout structure, designed to maximize excitement. All rounds except the semi-finals consist of single-leg ties, hosted at the home ground of the lower-division team to give underdogs a fighting chance. Draws that end level proceed to extra time, followed by penalties if necessary. The semi-finals shift to a two-legged affair, building suspense over home and away matches, while the final is a standalone showdown at a neutral venue, with details to be confirmed later by the RFEF. The season’s timeline is tightly packed:
- First Round: Drawn on August 20, 2025, and played on September 10-11, 2025. This whittled down 32 teams to 16 through 16 intense fixtures.
- Second Round: Drawn on September 15, 2025, with matches scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2025. Eight games will reduce the field to eight survivors.
- Third Round and Round of 16: These follow in quick succession, each featuring eight single-leg matches to advance to the quarter-finals.
- Quarter-Finals: Four single-leg ties to set up the final four.
- Semi-Finals: Two two-legged series, adding strategic depth.
- Final: A single match, typically held in May, crowning the champions.
The tournament generally spans from September to May, aligning with the domestic league season and allowing clubs to juggle multiple commitments. Recap of the first round action the competition kicked off with a bang in mid-September. Held across various venues in Spain, the first round delivered upsets and dominant performances. Notable results included:
- SE AEM’s 2-0 victory over Balears in Palma de Mallorca.
- Sporting de Huelva’s convincing 4-1 win against Córdoba.
- Alavés thrashing Bizkerre 5-0 in Getxo.
- Real Oviedo’s 6-0 rout of Atlético Villalonga.
- A tense penalty shootout where Sporting de Gijón edged Real Avilés 4-3 after a 0-0 draw in extra time.
Other highlights featured Málaga’s extra-time 2-0 triumph over Real Betis and Guiniguada Apolinario’s staggering 10-0 demolition of Orientación Marítima. These matches highlighted the cup’s unpredictability, with lower-tier teams like Rayo Vallecano and Sportextremadura pulling off 1-0 wins to advance. Second round on the horizon as of September 28, 2025, the tournament is gearing up for its second round, with matches set to begin on Tuesday, September 30. Fans can look forward to intriguing clashes, including:
- SE AEM hosting Europa in Lleida.
- Villarreal facing Valencia in Villarreal.
- Sporting de Gijón versus Real Oviedo in Gijón.
- Sporting de Huelva taking on Málaga in Huelva.
These games, drawn earlier this month at the RFEF’s headquarters in Las Rozas de Madrid, promise more drama as teams vie for a spot in the third round. With the action starting midweek rather than Monday, it’s a perfect opportunity for supporters to tune in and witness the next chapter unfold. Beyond the trophies, the Copa de la Reina plays a vital role in elevating women’s football in Spain. It provides exposure for emerging talents, fosters rivalries, and contributes to the sport’s global growth. For Barcelona, the quest for another title adds to their legacy, while challengers like Valencia, Alavés, and Osasuna aim to dethrone the giants. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the scene, the 2025/2026 Copa de la Reina offers accessible, edge of your seat football.
