Cup

The Croatian Cup, officially known as the Hrvatski nogometni kup, is the premier knockout football competition in Croatia, forming a crucial part of the domestic football calendar alongside the Croatian First Football League (HNL). Established in 1992 following Croatia's independence, the tournament has a rich history of dramatic upsets and intense rivalries, offering a direct path to European qualification for its winner. The competition's format is a straightforward single-elimination knockout tournament. It typically begins with preliminary rounds involving lower-division and amateur clubs, before the top-tier HNL teams enter in the later stages. All matches are decided on the day, with extra time and penalty shootouts used if necessary. The final is traditionally held as a single match at a neutral venue, often the Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb or the Stadion Poljud in Split, creating a showpiece event for Croatian football. The cup is open to all registered football clubs in Croatia, numbering over 100 participants in the early rounds. The most successful and notable clubs are the traditional powerhouses: GNK Dinamo Zagreb, the dominant force with the most cup titles, and their fierce rivals HNK Hajduk Split. Other frequent contenders include HNK Rijeka and NK Osijek, who have also lifted the trophy. The competition is famous for its "giant-killing" potential, where lower-league teams occasionally topple top-flight opposition. Numerous famous players have graced the Croatian Cup, including Croatian legends like Davor Šuker, Luka Modrić, and Ivan Rakitić during their time with domestic clubs. International stars such as Eduardo da Silva and Mario Mandžukić also featured prominently. The current competitive landscape is heavily influenced by Dinamo Zagreb's sustained dominance, though Hajduk Split and Rijeka remain strong challengers, ensuring the final is often a clash between these major rivals. An interesting fact is that the cup has occasionally served as a stage for the "Eternal Derby" between Dinamo and Hajduk, amplifying the national spotlight. Furthermore, winning the cup grants entry into the UEFA Europa League, adding significant sporting and financial incentive to the competition. The Croatian Cup remains a cherished tradition, celebrated for its knockout drama and its role in crowning a national cup champion distinct from the league title.

About Cup

Cup is a top football competition based in Croatia, featuring league standings, fixture lists, results and team-by-team statistical breakdowns. 2 teams currently compete in Cup, battling across the season for the title and league position. 1 matches are scheduled in the upcoming Cup fixture list, with live updates and AI-powered predictions on this site. Browse standings, top scorers, fixtures, results and matchday predictions for Cup below.