Spanish Football Federation Sets 2026 Copa del Rey Final Date; Seville to Host for Seventh Consecutive Year
The Royal Spanish Football Federation has settled the debate over the date of the Copa del Rey final for the 2025-2026 season, announcing that the match will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 9:00 PM local time (10:00 PM Mecca time).
Seville: “Capital of the Cup” for the Seventh Year in a Row
For the seventh consecutive year, La Cartuja Stadium in Seville will host the final of Spain’s historic cup competition. The federation explained that holding the match on a Saturday aims to facilitate fan travel and ensure a lively, festive atmosphere in the stands.
Date Change Due to the “Feria de Abril”
The April 18 date was chosen after weeks of deliberation. The original proposed date was April 25, which conflicted with the famous Feria de Abril in Seville, a large-scale event requiring full security mobilization, as well as coinciding with the Grand Prix motorcycle race in Jerez. To avoid logistical or security clashes, the final was moved one week earlier.
The statement also noted that Real Betis stadium is occupied with UEFA Europa League matches on Thursdays, preventing a midweek final. April 18 was also chosen for its historical significance, coinciding with the month in which the tournament’s first edition took place in 1903.
Road to the Final: Fiery Semi-Finals
Despite the confirmed date and venue, the finalists remain unknown, as fans await the upcoming semi-final second legs in early April:
- Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid (April 3): Atlético Madrid enters with a comfortable first-leg advantage at Metropolitano Stadium, while Barcelona aims for a historic home comeback.
- Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club (April 4): The intense Basque derby sees Sociedad with a slight advantage after a 1-0 away win at San Mamés Stadium, leaving the return leg at Anoeta wide open.
A Historic Final
This edition is notable as it will be the first Copa del Rey final ever held on April 18 in the competition’s 123-year history. Experts predict record-breaking attendance, especially if Barcelona reaches the final to face either a Basque giant or local rival Atlético Madrid.
