Azerbaijan Cup

The Azerbaijan Cup is the country’s major knockout football competition, held annually since 1992. Clubs from both the Premier League and First Division compete for the trophy, with matches played across Azerbaijan from autumn to spring.

• Founded in 1992 after Azerbaijan’s independence
• Open to both Premier League and First Division clubs
• Winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League
• Quarterfinals and semifinals are played over two legs
• Final is a single head-to-head match

What it is

The Azerbaijan Cup is the leading national football cup competition in Azerbaijan, bringing together clubs from the top two divisions in a knockout format. While it may not attract the same crowds as some other national cups, it remains a key event in the country’s football calendar. For clubs, the Cup offers a chance at silverware and qualification for European competition, making each match meaningful for players and supporters alike.

Where it comes from

The roots of the Azerbaijan Cup go back to 1936, when it was first held during the Soviet era. At that time, Azerbaijani teams not involved in the Soviet league pyramid competed for the trophy. The modern form of the Cup began in 1992, following Azerbaijan’s independence. Over the years, the tournament has seen changes to its format as organizers sought to boost its profile and public interest.

How it is celebrated

The Cup begins with First League teams facing off in the opening round, followed by the entry of Premier League clubs in the second round. As the tournament progresses, matches become more intense, culminating in two-legged quarterfinals and semifinals. The final is a single, decisive match, often held in a major stadium. While attendance may not always fill the stands, the final is broadcast nationally, and the atmosphere among fans and players is charged with anticipation. The winner not only claims the trophy but also secures a place in European competition.

Joining in

Visitors interested in Azerbaijani football can attend Cup matches in cities across the country, especially during the later rounds when top clubs compete. The final, often played in Baku or another major city, is the highlight and offers a chance to experience local football culture. Expect a lively but relaxed crowd, with tickets usually available even for the final.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Azerbaijan Cup, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Azerbaijan Cup on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.