The official launch of the Vbet Cup of Ukraine-2025/2026 «Start of the cup season» took place at the Kyiv Football House, during which an updated format of the competition, a model of the new trophy, and principles of the tournament were presented.

A special working group developed the trophy and format. It was led by UAF Vice President Oleksandr Shevchenko and Tournament Director Oleg Luzhny. The ideas of the working group were embodied in the design of the cup and the competition format.

Photo: Dan Balashov

A new breath for Ukrainian football

«Back in February, during the press conference with Andriy Shevchenko, we announced a future reform of the Cup of Ukraine, which can be characterized by three points: a new format, a new trophy, and a new breath. We are glad that we managed to present both a model of the new trophy and the competition format before the start of the new season.

I believe that when the tournament starts, we will truly feel this new breath in Ukrainian football. The tournament will receive its appropriate status and level», — noted UAF General Secretary Igor Gryshchenko.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Competition format: structure and innovations

In the 2025/2026 season, 68 teams will participate in the Vbet Cup of Ukraine — 48 professional and 20 amateur.

The competition will consist of seven stages and cover 67 matches:

• qualifying round — 8 matches;
• 1/32 finals — 28 matches;
• 1/16 finals — 16 matches;
• 1/8 finals — 8 matches;
• 1/4 finals — 4 matches;
• 1/2 finals — 2 matches;
• final — 1 match (scheduled for May 20, 2026).

All draws will be "blind". Each stage includes one match. In case of a draw, a penalty shootout will immediately follow, except in the final.

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«This is truly an important event for both the UAF and the tournament itself. The format was created by all departments of the association. Teamwork has yielded excellent results — in both sports and aesthetic aspects», — emphasized UAF Technical Director Igor Dedishin.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Prize fund and cost distribution

Compared to the previous season, the total prize fund of the tournament has increased by 25%, as the number of teams has significantly grown. Payments to participants will be made according to a scheme: 70% — home team, 30% — away team.

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Single TV pool and media model

Matches will be broadcast within a single TV pool on OTT platforms, YouTube channel of the UPL TB.

Thanks to cooperation with title partner Vbet, all media rights for broadcasting matches have been united. This has relieved clubs from financial burden that was previously placed upon them during match organization.

In the new season, all costs of producing broadcasts will be covered by partner payments. Matches will be available on YouTube, OTT services, and cable TV. It is expected that this will significantly expand the audience of the tournament and increase its commercial attractiveness.

UAF chart

New trophy: symbol of honor and strength

The winner of the 2025/2026 season will receive a new trophy, whose model was officially presented during the event.

The main element of the trophy — a Cossack mace as a symbol of strength and invincibility. The legendary sable ataman Ivan Sirko did not lose any battle — just like the team that will go through the entire path to the final. The mace is surrounded by 11 spires — symbolizing unity of 11 players who earn "For themselves — honor, for Ukraine — glory".

Photo: Dan Balashov

«In creating the trophy, we were inspired by Ivan Mazepa's mace but decorated it in our own way. We added a slogan in the Baroque style — "For themselves — honor, for Ukraine — glory". One of the decorative elements is adorned with an ornament inspired by frescoes of St. Sophia Cathedral», — said Creative Director of the classical jewelry house Lobortas Anastasia Lobortas.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The key decorative element — a blue topaz of Ukrainian origin, as well as amber. These stones will add uniqueness and symbolism to the trophy.

Thank you 92th Separate Assault Brigade named after Cossack ataman Ivan Sirko for patriotic slogan and protection! UAF plans active cooperation with this brigade. It will become a partner in this tournament. Joint charitable activities are planned