The Albanian Cup 2025–2026 has officially entered one of its most exciting stages, as all matches of the Round of 16 (1/8 finals) were completed in a single action-packed day. These encounters determined the eight teams that continue their journey toward lifting one of the most prestigious trophies in Albanian football.
For Albanian football fans, this phase of the competition once again delivered drama, extra-time thrillers, dominant victories, and surprises that keep the Cup special year after year. With the quarterfinal stage now confirmed, attention turns to the upcoming draw and the potential heavyweight clashes ahead.
Qualified Teams for the Albanian Cup Quarterfinals
After the conclusion of all Round of 16 matches, the following teams have secured their places in the quarterfinals of the Albanian Cup 2025–2026:
- Tirana
- Dinamo City
- Partizani
- Bylis
- Teuta
- Vllaznia
- Egnatia
- AF Elbasani
These eight clubs will now battle in a two-leg quarterfinal format, with the ultimate goal of reaching the semifinals and keeping their cup dreams alive.
Match Results: How the Round of 16 Was Decided
All Round of 16 matches were played on the same day, creating a true football festival across Albania.
Early Kickoffs (13:00)
The early matches saw two traditional powerhouses secure comfortable victories:
- Dinamo City 3–0 Besa
- Dinamo City showed their class with a convincing performance, controlling the match from start to finish and booking their quarterfinal ticket without complications.
- Partizani 3–0 Burreli
- Partizani delivered a dominant display, confirming their status as one of the favorites for the trophy. Their solid defense and sharp attack proved too much for Burreli.
Extra-Time Drama: Tirana and Bylis Advance
Two of the most thrilling matches of the Round of 16 were decided only after extra time, highlighting the competitive nature of the Albanian Cup.
- Tirana 2–1 Skënderbeu (after extra time)
- The capital city giants faced a tough challenge, as the match ended in a draw after 90 minutes. Tirana eventually found the decisive goal in extra time, securing qualification in dramatic fashion.
- Bylis 3–2 Laçi (after extra time)
- Another intense encounter saw Bylis edge past Laçi. After a level score in regular time, Bylis struck the crucial third goal in extra time to advance.
Afternoon Matches (16:00)
The later kickoffs also delivered decisive outcomes:
- Egnatia 1–0 Apolonia
- Egnatia continued their strong form with a narrow but valuable victory, proving once again their efficiency in knockout competitions.
- Vllaznia 1–0 Pogradeci
- The historic club from Shkodra secured qualification with a minimal scoreline, showing defensive discipline and experience.
- Teuta 2–0 Vora
- Teuta dominated their match and advanced comfortably, keeping alive their ambitions for another deep cup run.
- AF Elbasani 2–1 Flamurtari (after extra time)
- The clash between AF Elbasani and Flamurtari also went beyond 90 minutes. After a 1–1 draw in regular time, Elbasani scored the decisive goal in extra time, delighting their fans and sealing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Pots and Draw Rules Explained
According to the official Albanian Cup regulations, the eight qualified teams have been divided into two pots for the quarterfinal draw.
Pot 1:
- Egnatia
- Vllaznia
- Partizani
- Dinamo City
Pot 2:
- AF Elbasani
- Teuta
- Bylis
- Tirana
The quarterfinal matchups will be determined through a free draw between the teams from both pots.
Quarterfinal Format: Home and Away Matches
The quarterfinals of the Albanian Cup 2025–2026 will be played in a two-leg format (home and away).
- The first-leg matches will be hosted by the teams placed in Pot 2.
- The second legs will decide which four clubs advance to the semifinals.
This format adds tactical depth and excitement, as teams must manage two matches rather than relying on a single result.
When Will the Quarterfinal Draw Take Place?
The date and time of the official quarterfinal draw have not yet been announced. The Albanian Football Federation is expected to confirm this information in the coming days, with fans eagerly awaiting to see which teams will face each other.
What to Expect Next in the Albanian Cup
With big names like Tirana, Partizani, Vllaznia, and Dinamo City still in contention, and ambitious clubs such as Egnatia and AF Elbasani making strong statements, the Albanian Cup promises more excitement ahead.
The competition remains one of the most unpredictable tournaments in Albanian football, where history, passion, and surprises collide.
Stay tuned for full coverage, match previews, and quarterfinal analysis as the Albanian Cup 2025–2026 continues to deliver unforgettable moments.
