Croky Cup 2026: Dender and Sporting Hasselt advance

Dender Powers Past Hoogstraten in Six-Goal Rout

KVC Dender left no doubt about its cup ambitions during a commanding visit to Hoogstraten. The second-division side established a comfortable 4-0 advantage by halftime and maintained pressure throughout the second half, adding two more goals to seal a heavy 6-0 win and secure its place in the next round of the Belgian Cup.

Sporting Hasselt Surges Late to Overcome Mandel United

Sporting Hasselt had to battle through a resilient challenge from Mandel United before securing a 1-3 victory. Mandel United offered fierce resistance for the majority of the match, but late goals from Mehdi Bounou and Livio Milts broke the deadlock and kept Hasselt’s cup dreams alive.

Extra-Time Heroics and Dramatic Late Winners

Francs Borains barely survived a grueling test against Diegem, needing a decisive strike from Nioule in the 117th minute to avoid a penalty shootout and claim a 1-0 win under coach Yves Vanderhaeghe. Meanwhile, SK Roeselare suffered heartbreak in the 94th minute when Kjetil Borry netted a dramatic late winner to hand Patro Eisden a 2-1 victory right before the final whistle.

Comfortable Wins for Lower-League Contenders

Several visiting and home sides booked their tickets with more breathing room. Mons cruised to a 4-0 victory away at Londerzeel, backed by goals from Arthur Inaka in the 39th minute, Mayron De Almeida, Jordan Dauchy, and Zakaria Nadrani. Virton posted a clean 0-3 win on the road against Oostkamp, while Sporting Lokeren comfortably dismissed Houtvenne 5-0 after building a 2-0 halftime lead. In an all-Tweede Amateur clash, KFC Nijlen defeated Rupel Boom 3-1 on home turf.

What Comes Next in the Croky Cup

While Jupiler Pro League clubs enter the competition starting from the 1/16th finals scheduled for October 16, 17, and 18, 2026—with exceptions for promoted sides KV Kortrijk and Lommel starting earlier this weekend, and Challenger Pro League champion Beveren entering next round—the immediate focus turns to the official draw. The pairings for the 1/16th finals will be determined on Monday.