Copa del Rey Calendar 2025-2026 — Dates & Schedule

The Copa del Rey 2025-2026 calendar is compressed into just 6 months, from November 2025 to April 2026, covering 7 rounds in a remarkably tight window. This density is driven by the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America (June 11 - July 19), which forces the RFEF to conclude all domestic competitions before the end of May. Clubs competing simultaneously in the Champions League or Europa League face an especially demanding fixture schedule, with midweek matches becoming the norm rather than the exception during February and March.

The March 2026 semi-finals represent a pivotal moment in the season. Real Madrid, having won the first leg 2-1 at home against Athletic Bilbao on March 12, approach the second leg at San Mames (March 26) with a precious but fragile advantage. Athletic, the 2024 title holders, boast an outstanding home record in the Copa del Rey — unbeaten at San Mames in the competition for 3 consecutive years (14 wins, 2 draws). Bellingham (67th minute) and Mbappe (82nd, penalty) scored for Madrid in the first leg, but Nico Williams pulled one back at the 88th minute to keep the tie alive.

On the other side of the bracket, FC Barcelona have virtually sealed their place in the final after a commanding 3-0 win over Real Betis at Camp Nou on March 13. Lamine Yamal (23rd), Raphinha (51st), and Robert Lewandowski (74th) scored for the Blaugrana, making the second leg at the Benito Villamarin (March 27) a formality barring a historic collapse. With a 3-goal cushion, Barcelona are expected to reach the April 25 final at La Cartuja, which would be their second consecutive Copa del Rey final appearance.