2026 Challenge Cup

2026 Challenge Cup
Duration7 rounds
Number of teams67

The 2026 Challenge Cup, known for sponsorship reasons as the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup, is the 125th staging of the Challenge Cup, the main rugby league knockout cup tournament in British rugby league, run by the Rugby Football League (RFL).

Background

The competition retains the seven-round format introduced in 2025. The first round will again be contested solely by community clubs. The Championship clubs join the competition in the second round and the Super League clubs in the third round. However, for 2026, the first and second rounds will be played with clubs allocated to one of three regions, with games being played on a regional basis. This change has been introduced in an effort to reduce costs and an attempt to increase interest in the early rounds of the competition.[1]

As in 2025, the Super League clubs will be drawn away in the third round.[1]

The competition starts in January 2026, and will conclude with the final on 30 May at Wembley Stadium.

Toulouse Olympique declined to take part, as in previous years.

On 9 January 2026, Featherstone Rovers were excluded from the competition due to the ongoing financial difficulties at the club. As the draw for the first and second rounds had already been made by this date, Featherstone's opponent in the second round, Lock Lane were given a bye through to the third round.[2]

Format and dates

Challenge Cup competition format[3]
Round Date Clubs involved this round Winners from previous round New entries this round Leagues entering at this round
Round 1 10–12 January 34 None 34 34 UK based community teams
Round 2 24–25 January 37[a] 17 20 All teams from the Championship (20)
Round 3 6–8 February 32 19 13 13 of the 14 teams from the Super League (all except Toulouse Olympique)
Round 4 14–15 March 16 16 None
Quarter-finals 11–12 April 8 8
Semi-finals 9–10 May 4 4
Final 30 May 2 2

The 34 clubs in the first round will be allocated to one of three regions, North West, Yorkshire and National. Most of the clubs are from the National Conference League (NCL) but also included are the three armed services clubs, GB Police, one each from the Welsh and Irish leagues, four from the Southern Conference League, one from the London league and one from the Midlands.[4]

St Helens based club, Haresfinch, were originally included in the competition but withdrew before the first-round matches were played. Their place was taken by Oldham St Annes.[5]

North West region

There will be 12 clubs in the North West region who will play six ties in the first round; Blackbrook, GB Police, Ince Rose Bridge, Leigh Miners Rangers, Oldham St Annes, Orrell St James, Rochdale Mayfield, Seaton Rangers, Siddal, Thatto Heath Crusaders, Waterhead, and Wigan St Judes.[1]

In the second round, they will be joined by eight Championship clubs; Barrow Raiders, Oldham, Rochdale Hornets, Salford, Swinton Lions, Whitehaven, Widnes Vikings and Workington Town to play seven ties in the second round.[1]

Yorkshire region

The Yorkshire region will also comprise 12 clubs playing six ties in the first round; Brighouse Rangers, Dewsbury Moor, Heworth, Hunslet ARLFC, King Cross Park, Lock Lane, Mirfield Spartans, Royal Air Force, Stanningley Rangers, West Hull, Woodhouse and York Acorn.[1]

Nine Championship clubs; Batley Bulldogs, Dewsbury Rams, Doncaster, Goole Vikings, Halifax Panthers, Hunslet, Keighley Cougars, Newcastle Thunder and Sheffield Eagles join the six community clubs to play eight ties in the second round.[1]

National region

The National region will contain 10 clubs playing five first-round ties; Aberavon Fighting Irish, Bedford Tigers, British Army, Broncos, Hammersmith Hills Hoists, London Chargers, Medway Dragons, Royal Navy, Telford Raiders and Wests Warriors.[1]

The five first-round winners will be joined in the second round by London Broncos, Midlands Hurricanes and North Wales Crusaders to play four ties in the second round.[1]

First round

The draws for the first and second rounds were made on 24 November 2025.[6]

Number of teams per tier remaining in competition at start of round 1
Super League[b] Championship[c] Non-League Total
13 / 13
20 / 20
34 / 34
67 / 67
Challenge Cup round 1 fixtures
Home Score Away Match Information
Date and Time Venue Referee Attendance[d]
Royal Navy 4–18 Hammersmith Hills Hoists 10 January 2026, 13:00 United Services Recreation Ground O. Maddock not recorded
Hunslet ARLFC 48–6 York Acorn 10 January 2026, 13:30 Hunslet Oval M. Clayton
Orrell St James 34–0 Oldham St Annes 10 January 2026, 13:30 Bankes Avenue Playing Fields L. Breheny
Blackbrook 52–6 GB Police 10 January 2026, 14:00 Boardmans Lane J. Hughes
British Army 12–24 Wests Warriors 10 January 2026, 14:00 Army Rugby Stadium S. Jenkinson
Thatto Heath Crusaders 78–10 Seaton Rangers 10 January 2026, 14:00 Close Street T. Bell
Banbridge Broncos 26–32 Aberavon Fighting Irish 11 January 2026, 13:30 Chambers Park T. Topping-Higson
Bedford Tigers 36–6 Medway Dragons 11 January 2026, 14:30 Putnoe Woods O. Salmon
Heworth C–C RAF Tie conceded by the RAF as they were unable to raise a team for the rescheduled fixture on 17 January.[7]
Telford Raiders 18–38 London Chargers 17 January 2026, 13:00[e] The Old Showground S. Houghton
Brighouse Rangers 6–42 Lock Lane 17 January 2026, 13:30 [e] Brighouse Sports Club R. Schofield
Stanningley 24–22 Dewsbury Moor 17 January 2026, 13:30[e] The Arthur Miller Stadium F. Lincoln
Woodhouse Warriors 4–36 Mirfield Spartans 17 January 2026, 13:30[e] Buslingthorpe Vale S. Quarmby
King Cross Park 12–42 West Hull 17 January 2026, 14:00[e] Hopwood Lane J. Stearne
Rochdale Mayfield 12–18 Ince Rose Bridge 17 January 2026, 14:00[e] Mayfield Sports Centre J. Pemberton
Wigan St Judes 17–12 Leigh Miners Rangers 17 January 2026, 14:00[e] Parsons Meadow L. Breheny
Siddal 14–22 Waterhead Warriors 18 January 2026, 13:30[f] Exley Lane L. Seal
Source:

Second round

Number of teams per tier remaining in competition at start of round 2
Super League[b] Championship Non-League Total
13 / 13
20 / 20
17 / 34
50 / 67
Challenge Cup round 2 fixtures
Home Score Away Match Information
Date and Time Venue Referee Attendance
Lock Lane C–C Featherstone Rovers Tie cancelled due to the termination of Featherstone Rovers's RFL membership following the club's entry in administration. Lock Lane received a bye to the third round.
Heworth 0–66 Keighley Cougars 24 January 2026, 13:30 Elmpark Way L. Seal not recorded
Stanningley 0–44 Hunslet 24 January 2026, 13:30 The Arthur Miller Stadium J. Pemberton 950
Ince Rose Bridge 26–44 Swinton Lions 24 January 2026, 14:00 Pinfold Street D. Arnold 1,017
Wigan St Judes 4–76 Barrow Raiders 24 January 2026, 14:00 Parsons Meadow F. Lincoln not recorded
Sheffield Eagles 18–6 Whitehaven 24 January 2026, 14:30 Steel City Stadium T. Jones 427
Hammersmith Hills Hoists 10–42 Salford 24 January 2026, 18:00 Dukes Meadows M. McKelvey not recorded
Thatto Heath Crusaders 0–76 Widnes Vikings 25 January 2026, 13:00 Close Street R. Cox 1,400
Waterhead Warriors 6–60 Rochdale Hornets 25 January 2026, 13:30 Manor Park K. Moore not recorded
Batley Bulldogs 32–10 Hunslet ARLFC 25 January 2026, 14:00 Mount Pleasant L. Bland not recorded
Blackbrook 6–28 Workington Town 25 January 2026, 14:00 Boardmans Lane A. Williams not recorded
Dewsbury Rams 32–10 West Hull 25 January 2026, 14:00 Crown Flatt C. Hughes not recorded
London Broncos 86–0 Wests Warriors 25 January 2026, 14:00 Athletic Ground A. Belafonte not recorded
North Wales Crusaders 110–0 Bedford Tigers 25 January 2026, 14:30 Eirias Stadium S. Jenkinson 289
Doncaster 24–22 Newcastle Thunder 25 January 2026, 15:00 Eco-Power Stadium M. Lynn 843
Halifax Panthers 88–0 London Chargers 25 January 2026, 15:00 The Shay L. Breheny 676
Mirfield Spartans 4–58 Goole Vikings 25 January 2026, 15:00 Victoria Pleasure Grounds[g] J. Hughes not recorded
Oldham 58–0 Orrell St James 25 January 2026, 15:00 Bower Fold S. Mikalauskas 671
Midlands Hurricanes 110–0 Aberavon Fighting Irish 25 January 2026, 17:00 Avery Fields M. Clayton 200
Source:[11]

Third round

The third round draw was made on 12 January 2026.[12]

Number of teams per tier remaining in competition at start of round 3
Super League Championship Non-League Total
13 / 13
18 / 20
1 / 34
32 / 67
Challenge Cup round 3 fixtures
Home Score Away Match Information
Date and Time Venue Referee Attendance
Hunslet 6–52 Huddersfield Giants 6 February 2026, 19:00 South Leeds Stadium D. Arnold 990
Sheffield Eagles 6–34 Warrington Wolves 6 February 2026, 19:30 Halliwell Jones Stadium[h] S. Mikalauskas 2,908
Workington Town 2–98 St Helens 6 February 2026, 19:30 Derwent Park L. Rush 4,129
Lock Lane 0–104 Hull KR 6 February 2026, 20:00 Craven Park[i] J. Smith
Salford 0–60 Hull FC 6 February 2026, 20:00 CorpAcq Stadium M. Lynn 1,976
Doncaster 0–14 Castleford Tigers 7 February 2026, 14:00 Eco-Power Stadium T. Grant 2,537
Widnes Vikings 12–25 Leeds Rhinos 7 February 2026, 15:00 Halton Stadium L. Moore 2,977
Barrow Raiders 6–32 York Knights 7 February 2026, 18:00 Craven Park K. Moore 1,389
North Wales Crusaders 6–60 Leigh Leopards 7 February 2026, 19:00 Eirias Stadium J. Vella 1,899
Batley Bulldogs 4–56 Catalans Dragons 8 February 2026, 14:00 Mount Pleasant R. Cox 703
Halifax Panthers 14–18 Goole Vikings 8 February 2026, 15:00 The Shay L. Bland
Keighley Cougars 18–14 Midlands Hurricanes 8 February 2026, 15:00 Cougar Park C. Hughes 634
London Broncos 8–26 Bradford Bulls 8 February 2026, 15:00 Plough Lane M. Griffiths 3,477
Oldham 46–0 Dewsbury Rams 8 February 2026, 15:00 Bower Fold M. McKelvey 741
Rochdale Hornets 0–83 Wigan Warriors 8 February 2026, 15:00 Spotland Stadium A. Moore 4,248
Swinton Lions 6–82 Wakefield Trinity 8 February 2026, 15:00 Heywood Road T. Jones 918
Source:[15]

Fourth round

The fourth round draw was made on 9 February 2026.[16]

Number of teams per tier remaining in competition at start of round 4
Super League Championship Non-League Total
13 / 13
3 / 20
0 / 34
16 / 67
Challenge Cup round 4 fixtures
Home Score Away Match Information
Date and Time Venue Referee Attendance
Wakefield Trinity 24–14 Leeds Rhinos 13 March 2026, 20:00 Belle Vue J. Smith 7,136
Wigan Warriors 30–6 Bradford Bulls 13 March 2026, 20:00 Brick Community Stadium L. Rush 9,997
York Knights 56–10 Keighley Cougars 14 March 2026, 12:00 York Community Stadium C. Kendall 2,008
Goole Vikings 10–78 Warrington Wolves 14 March 2026, 14:00 Halliwell Jones Stadium[j] T. Jones 3,195
Huddersfield Giants 12–52 Hull KR 14 March 2026, 15:00 Kirklees Stadium M. Griffiths 2,736
Leigh Leopards 16–6 Hull F.C. 14 March 2026, 15:00 Leigh Sports Village T. Grant 5,535
Catalans Dragons 58–0 Oldham 14 March 2026, 17:30[k] Stade Gilbert Brutus J. Vella 3,809
Castleford Tigers 8–32 St Helens 14 March 2026, 18:00 Wheldon Road A. Moore
Source:[18]

Quarter-finals

The quarter-final draw will be made on 17 March.

Number of teams per tier remaining in competition at the start of the quarter-finals
Super League Championship Non-League Total
8 / 13
0 / 20
0 / 34
8 / 67
Challenge Cup quarter-final fixtures
Home Score Away Match Information
Date and Time Venue Referee Attendance
St Helens – Catalans Dragons 10 April 2026, 20:00 BrewDog Stadium
Hull KR – York Knights 11 April 2026, 13:30 Craven Park
Warrington Wolves – Leigh Leopards 11 April 2026, 17:30 Halliwell Jones Stadium
Wakefield Trinity – Wigan Warriors 12 April 2026, 13:00 Belle Vue
Source:

Broadcast matches

Broadcast matches
Round Match Date Broadcast method
1st Thatto Heath Crusaders v Seaton Rangers 10 January Broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.[5][19]
British Army vs Wests Warriors Broadcast live on BFBS
Siddal vs Waterhead Warriors 18 January Streamed live on The Sportsman
2nd Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven 24 January Broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.[20]
Waterhead Warriors v Rochdale Hornets 25 January Streamed live on The Sportsman
3rd Workington Town v St Helens 6 February Streamed live on The Sportsman
Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos 7 February Streamed live on The Sportsman
London Broncos v Bradford Bulls 8 February Broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.[21]
4th Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos 13 March Broadcast live on BBC iPlayer. [22]
Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR 14 March Streamed live on The Sportsman
QF Hull KR vs York Knights 11 April Broadcast live on BBC Two [23]
Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors 12 April Broadcast live on BBC One [24]

Notes

  1. ^ One team has a bye due to the exclusion of Featherstone Rovers
  2. ^ a b Super League teams joined the competition in the third round
  3. ^ Championship clubs joined the competition in the second round
  4. ^ Attendances not recorded for matches only involving amateur teams
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Postponed from 10 January due to frozen pitch.[8]
  6. ^ Postponed from 11 January due to an unfit pitch.[9]
  7. ^ Mirfield ceded home advantage.[10]
  8. ^ Sheffield ceded home advantage.[13]
  9. ^ Lock Lane ceded home advantage.[14]
  10. ^ Goole ceded home advantage.[17]
  11. ^ UK time, match kicks off at 18:30 CET

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Tomlinson, Daniel (18 November 2025). "Challenge Cup draw details as format confirmed and regionalised ties to be made". All Out Rugby League. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
  2. ^ Tomlinson, Daniel (9 January 2026). "Featherstone Rovers denied entry to Championship as RFL explain decision". All Out Rugby League. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 – First and Second Round draws details". Rugby Football League. 18 November 2025. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
  4. ^ Olawumi, Ben (18 November 2025). "Challenge Cup First and Second Round draw details confirmed as regionalised format revealed". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 18 November 2025.
  5. ^ a b Olawumi, Ben (17 December 2025). "2026 Challenge Cup First Round: TV picks made as community club withdraw from competition". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  6. ^ "2026 Betfred Challenge Cup Rounds One and Two Draws made". Rugby Football League. 24 November 2025. Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  7. ^ "RAF forced to pull out of Challenge Cup as Heworth progress – Total Rugby League". Total RL. 16 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  8. ^ "Updated Postponements: Betfred Challenge Cup Round 1". RFL. 9 January 2026. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  9. ^ "Siddal v Waterhead called off in ninth Challenge Cup postponement – Total Rugby League". Total RL. 11 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  10. ^ "Challenge Cup – Round 2 – tickets". Goole Vikings. 17 January 2026. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
  11. ^ "Betfred Challenge Cup: Round Two". Rugby Leaguer & League Express. No. 3516. 26 January 2026. p. 27.
  12. ^ "Challenge Cup: Holders Hull KR to face Castleford Lock Lane or Brighouse". BBC Sport. 12 January 2026. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
  13. ^ "Date and venue swap confirmed for Warrington Wolves' Challenge Cup tie". Warrington Guardian. 26 January 2026. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
  14. ^ Shaw, Matthew (22 January 2026). "Castleford Tigers respond as local club opt against using stadium". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  15. ^ "Betfred Challenge Cup: Round Three". Rugby Leaguer & League Express. No. 3518. 9 February 2026. p. 27.
  16. ^ Olawumi, Ben (9 February 2026). "Challenge Cup Fourth Round draw made as Goole Vikings get glamour tie". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  17. ^ "Wire's next Challenge Cup clash will now be at home". Warrington Guardian. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  18. ^ "Betfred Challenge Cup: Round Four". Rugby Leaguer & League Express. No. 3523. 16 March 2026. p. 31.
  19. ^ Bower, Aaron (9 January 2026). "Every Challenge Cup, pre-season game cancelled by Storm Goretti". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
  20. ^ Olawumi, Ben (16 January 2026). "BBC make Challenge Cup Second Round broadcast pick as all-Championship tie chosen". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  21. ^ Olawumi, Ben (28 January 2026). "Challenge Cup Third Round TV picks confirmed as full schedule locked in". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  22. ^ "Betfred Challenge Cup Round Four – broadcast coverage confirmed". Rugby Football League. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
  23. ^ "Challenge Cup quarter-final fixture details as BBC set to broadcast two ties including Hull KR v York Knights". Serious About Rugby League. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  24. ^ "Challenge Cup quarter-final schedule locked in as broadcast details confirmed". Love Rugby League. 18 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
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