On Thursday, August 27, the draw for the Round of 16 of the Ukrainian Cup 2026/27 season was held at the Football House. It is at this stage that the country's four strongest clubs — Kyiv's Dynamo, Donetsk's Shakhtar, Polissya and Lviv's LNZ — enter the competition, beginning their campaign from the third round. As a result of the ball draw, 16 pairs were formed, determining the balance of power for the upcoming stretch of the Cup. According to the tournament poster, the official ceremony took place on August 27, 2026, at 14:00.
Participant composition: representation from each league
Ten UPL clubs advanced to the third round of the Cup, and at the Round of 16 stage they were joined by four more teams — Dynamo, Shakhtar, Polissya and LNZ. Thus, the elite division is represented by 14 teams at this stage. In addition, the bracket features 9 First League representatives, 4 Second League clubs and 5 amateur teams. The final configuration confirms that at the Round of 16 stage the tournament includes representatives of all levels of Ukrainian football — from the top league to the amateur division.
Key pairs and draw intrigue
Among all 16 pairs, the matchups that attract particular attention from fans and experts are those in which UPL representatives will face each other. Foremost among these are the Polissya — Kudrivka and Kolos — Karpaty matches, where the prize is a direct clash between top-division teams. The Bukovyna — LNZ meeting also deserves special mention: these clubs had already crossed paths last season at the quarter-final stage, and it was then that Bukovyna, not yet competing in the UPL, sensationally beat one of the top-division leaders and reached the semi-finals. Now the Lviv team has a chance at revenge, and according to the organizers, the bracket also features a Donbas derby.
Match format and regulations
It is worth recalling that at this stage of the Ukrainian Cup the matchups are decided in a single match and are played on the home ground of the team from the lower division. This regulation traditionally adds spice to the tournament and creates extra difficulties for the favorites. In the event of a draw at the end of regular time, the teams proceed directly to a penalty shootout — extra time is not provided for in the format.
Tournament calendar up to the final
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for September 8–10, 2026, while the Round of 8 matches will take place on October 27–29. The decisive stages of the Ukrainian Cup will already be held in 2027: the quarter-finals will run from March 2 to 4, the semi-finals from April 20 to 22, and the final match will crown the new trophy holder on May 19, 2027.
