Brussels, Belgium – The stage is set for a compelling Belgian Cup final showdown between Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht on May 14, 2026, at 15:00 CEST (3:00 PM CET). Union will have the home-field advantage in the match, which will be played at their stadium. The confirmation of the date and venue concludes the final logistical details for the 71st edition of Belgium’s premier domestic cup competition, known as the Croky Cup for sponsorship reasons.
Anderlecht secured their place in the final with a dominant 4-0 victory over Antwerp, while Union Saint-Gilloise previously qualified. This sets up a highly anticipated clash between two of Belgium’s top clubs, with significant implications for European qualification.
Croky Cup Final Details Confirmed
The Pro League officially announced the final date and kickoff time on Thursday, solidifying plans for the May 14th contest. The match will be a key event in the Belgian football calendar, drawing attention from fans across the country and beyond. The competition, which began on July 19, 2025, has progressed through eleven rounds to reach this decisive final stage.
For Anderlecht, the cup final represents a crucial opportunity to secure a European spot, particularly given their position in the league standings. The outcome of the Croky Cup final could significantly influence which Belgian teams participate in the UEFA Europa League in the 2026-27 season. The winners of the competition automatically qualify for the tournament.
Road to the Final: Key Matchups
Anderlecht’s path to the final was marked by their convincing win against Antwerp. Union Saint-Gilloise also advanced, earning the right to host the final match. Earlier rounds saw several notable matchups, including Racing Genk versus Anderlecht, OHL against Club Brugge, and Cercle Brugge facing KAA Gent in the Round of 16. Other ties included Antwerp versus STVV and Union against Zulte Waregem.
The Round of 16 matches, played in early December 2025, provided several exciting contests. Beerschot faced La Louvière, Dender battled Standard, and Charleroi took on KV Mechelen. These matches demonstrated the competitive nature of the Croky Cup, with teams from across Belgian football vying for a place in the latter stages of the tournament.
Competition Format and Key Dates
The 2025-26 Belgian Cup follows a single-match elimination format for most rounds. The first three rounds utilize penalties immediately after 90 minutes if the score is tied. From the fourth round onwards, a 30-minute extra time period is played before resorting to penalties. The semi-finals are played over two legs, adding another layer of drama to the competition.
Here’s a recap of key dates in the competition:
- Provincial Round: July 19-20, 2025
- First Round: July 26-27, 2025
- Second Round: August 2-3, 2025
- Third Round: August 9-10, 2025
- Fourth Round: August 16-17, 2025
- Fifth Round: August 23-24, 2025
- Sixth Round: September 5-7, 2025
- Seventh Round: September 8, 2025
- Eighth Round: October 28-30, 2025
- Quarter-finals: December 2-4, 2025
- Semi-finals (1st legs): February 3-5, 2026
- Semi-finals (2nd legs): February 10-12, 2026
- Final: May 14, 2026
The Croky Cup has a long and storied history in Belgian football, dating back to its inception in 1954. Club Brugge are the defending champions, adding further weight to the prestige of the competition. This year’s final promises to be another memorable chapter in the cup’s history.
What’s Next?
With the date and venue confirmed, all eyes now turn to May 14th. Both Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht will be preparing intensely for what promises to be a fiercely contested final. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as these two Belgian powerhouses battle for the Croky Cup title and a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League. Further updates and team news will be available through official Pro League channels in the weeks leading up to the match.
The final will be played at Union Saint-Gilloise’s home stadium, providing a significant advantage for the hosts. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their teams in this crucial encounter. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 CEST, allowing fans across Europe and beyond to tune in and witness the culmination of the 2025-26 Croky Cup.
