Copa del Rey First Round Draw Confirmed
The 2026-27 Copa del Rey campaign is set to commence with the first-round draw on Monday, October 5. A total of 112 teams will discover their initial opponents in Spain’s prestigious knockout competition, marking the official start of their journey towards the coveted trophy.
The draw ceremony will take place at the Luis Aragonés auditorium, located within the Ciudad Deportiva de Las Rozas. This event will lay out the first matchups for the majority of participating clubs.
Notably, four of Spain’s biggest clubs – FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, and Real Sociedad – will not feature in this initial draw. These teams are granted direct entry into the Round of 32, a privilege extended due to their participation in the Spanish Super Cup.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The Copa del Rey first-round draw follows specific rules designed to create compelling matchups and manage logistics. Teams from lower divisions are strategically paired against opponents from higher categories, often leading to exciting David-versus-Goliath encounters.
Additionally, geographical proximity is a key factor considered when forming the ties. This approach aims to reduce travel burdens for clubs, particularly those from lower leagues, ensuring a more accessible and fair competition in its early stages.
Following the draw on October 5, the first-round ties are scheduled to be played across three days: October 27, 28, and 29. This provides clubs and fans with ample time to prepare for the start of their Copa del Rey journey, as the competition begins to unfold alongside the domestic league campaigns.