The sixth round of the 2026 Croky Cup brings early drama to Belgian football as the field for the 1/16th finals takes shape ahead of the official draw on Monday, September 28, at 4:30 PM local time. While the majority of Jupiler Pro League clubs wait to enter the tournament, a 18-team top-flight reform forced two elite clubs into an extra qualification round, yielding a notable upset.
KV Kortrijk Suffers Early Exit Against KSK Heist
The most striking result of the sixth round unfolded when KV Kortrijk crashed out of the competition. Following a 2-2 draw through regulation against first-national side KSK Heist, Kortrijk dropped the subsequent penalty shootout 5-4. That defeat eliminates the top-flight club before the bulk of the Jupiler Pro League sides even begin their cup campaigns.
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Under competition rules for the Croky Cup, sixteen protected spots are reserved for Jupiler Pro League clubs. Because the Belgian top flight expanded to eighteen teams, two top-tier clubs had to clear an extra preliminary hurdle. Lommel SK and KV Kortrijk were the two Jupiler Pro League outfits designated for this sixth round. Unlike Kortrijk, Lommel advanced, while SK Beveren—having secured promotion after winning the Challenger Pro League last season—bypassed this phase entirely.
Teams Confirmed for the 1/16th Finals
With the sixth-round matches concluding this weekend, a diverse group of clubs across Belgium’s top divisions has locked down a spot in the next phase. The confirmed participants spanning the Jupiler Pro League, Challenger Pro League, and amateur ranks include:
- Jupiler Pro League: RSC Anderlecht, Royal Antwerp, Cercle Brugge, Club Brugge, KRC Genk, KAA Gent, KV Mechelen, OH Leuven, RAAL La Louvière, RSC Charleroi, Standard Liège, STVV, Union Saint-Gilloise, Westerlo, Zulte Waregem, SK Beveren, and Lommel SK.
- Challenger Pro League: KSC Lokeren, Francs Borains, Patro Eisden Maasmechelen, Dender, Excelsior Virton, Sporting Hasselt, Beerschot, KAS Eupen, RFC Liège, and RFC Seraing.
Draw Details and Upcoming Match Schedule
The matchups for the next phase will be determined on Monday, September 28, at 16:30 UTC+2, broadcast live by VoetbalPrimeur.be. During the draw, the sixteen surviving winners of the sixth round face the prospect of being paired against the remaining protected Jupiler Pro League clubs, who enjoy seeded status.
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The 1/16th finals are scheduled to take place from October 16 through October 18, 2026. The competition organizers will release the exact kickoff times and fixture dates on Wednesday, September 30.
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