Every tie from the Round of 16 through the final is decided over one match. There is no second leg to fall back on.
The draw for the 2026-27 edition takes place at 6.30pm on 10 October at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. The field includes all 14 UAE Pro League clubs: Al Ain and Al Jazira; Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl; Al Wahda and Sharjah; Al Nasr and Kalba; Khorfakkan and United; Hatta and Bani Yas; Al Dhafra and Ajman. Fujairah and Al Orooba qualified from the First Division. Al Khaleej reported the scheduled time and venue.
The 14 Pro League clubs in the draw are Al Ain, Al Jazira, Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Wahda, Sharjah, Al Nasr, Kalba, Khorfakkan, United, Hatta, Bani Yas, Al Dhafra and Ajman.
Two First Division sides complete the field
Al Orooba booked its place with a 2-0 win over Al Arabi. Fujairah advanced after beating Dibba Al Hisn 6-5 in a penalty shootout. The match had ended 1-1 after extra time. Their qualification came from 13 preliminary matches involving 15 First Division clubs, all played as single-match knockouts.
Both qualifying results came on 4 October 2026. Al Orooba beat Al Arabi 2-0, while Fujairah advanced against Dibba Al Hisn on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
Single-match ties shape the route
A draw determines the match-ups in each round except the final. Round of 16 ties take place at one of the two clubs' grounds, with an electronic draw deciding the host. Quarter-finals and semi-finals are played at neutral venues. Al Khaleej reported that the Round of 16 host is assigned electronically and that later rounds are held at neutral venues.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, in the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, will host the draw. The venue hosts cultural and community events; on 10 October, the draw determines the cup's bracket.
The competition began in 1974-75 and has crowned 12 different clubs. Shabab Al Ahli hold the record with 11 titles. The tournament was cancelled in 1975-76 and 1977-78. It was also cancelled in 2019-20.
