The Road to Wembley begins again in 2026, with the First Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup getting underway this wintry weekend.
Are you ready for the magic of the cup?
As has become traditional, the Round One ties will kick off the new Rugby League season, with 34 community clubs hoping to reach the Second Round.
This year’s First Round has been regionalised.
On Saturday, the BBC will continue its loyal coverage of the sport’s oldest cup competition, with the streaming of Rochdale Mayfield and Ince Rose Bridge’s First Round tie (K.O. 1.30pm).
The hosts have a long history of producing outstanding Rugby League talent with England internationals Matty Lees and Matty Ashton both starting their careers playing at junior level for the club.
Their opponents, Ince Rose Bridge, enjoyed an impressive Cup run in 2025 defeating Longhorns and Blackbrook in the opening rounds before losing out to Featherstone Rovers in Round Three.
Then, there are more local rivalries happening in Round One with a community Battle of the Borough between Wigan St Judes and Leigh Miners Rangers.
Oldham St Annes mark their return to the competition following a 14-year hiatus and will battle it out with Orrell St James – a side who have experienced some great cup runs in recent years.
Likewise, Seaton Rangers will make their cup comeback for the first time since 2012 and have a tasty tie against neighbours and Challenge Cup regulars Thatto Heath Crusaders.
Also in St Helens, Blackbrook are at home to GB Police.
There are plenty of Yorkshire rivalries intact too - Stanningley v Dewsbury Moor, Brighouse Rangers v Lock Lane, as well as newbies Woodhouse Warriors against Mirfield Spartans.
Then, the three community teams to reach Round Three and face Super League opposition last year will be striving to do something similar in 2026, and are all playing on the Saturday.
Aways days are in order as West Hull travel to Challenge Cup debutants King Cross Park, York Acorn kickstart their cup run at Hunslet ARLFC, and West Warriors will meet with the British Army on their opponents’ territory.
The other two Forces are also in action as the Royal Navy host Hammersmith Hills Hoists and the RAF travel to Heworth.
In the south, Telford Raiders will get a taste of the Challenge Cup for a second year running as they take on London Chargers.
The final three ties will take place on Sunday, with The Sportsman continuing their extensive Challenge Cup coverage in 2026, which starts with a clash between Siddal and Waterhead.
The fixture will see Leeds Rhinos playmaker Jake Connor take on his new role as Siddal head coach.
The club recently confirmed his appointment with the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel ready to lead from the front and drive the West Yorkshire club into a big 2026.
Waterhead will also be excited for Sunday's tie, following their dramatic Round One tie in front of the BBC cameras last year.
The Warriors came out on top against Leigh Miners Rangers in Golden Point extra time with a memorable Marcus Geener try.
Are we in for another treat this weekend?
The remaining two ties are Bedford Tigers v Medway Dragons and the Northern Irish Broncos, who are competing in their first ever Challenge Cup match, v Aberavon Fighting Irish.
It is also believed to be the first ever Challenge Cup game in Northern Ireland, with Wales-based side Aberavon making a dedicated journey.
AFI will leave the early hours of Sunday morning to Bristol, fly to Dublin, and take a coach to Belfast, before returning on the same night.
Commitment to the cup!
Betfred Challenge Cup Round One:
Saturday 10 January
Orrell St James v Oldham St Annes (KO 1.30pm)
Wigan St Judes v Leigh Miners Rangers (KO 2pm)
Rochdale Mayfield v Ince Rose Bridge (KO 1.30pm) – BBC iPlayer
Blackbrook v GB Police (KO 2pm)
Thatto Heath Crusaders v Seaton Rangers (KO 2pm)
Stanningley v Dewsbury Moor (KO 1.30pm)
Kings Cross Park v West Hull (KO 2pm)
Hunslet ARLFC v York Acorn (KO 1.30pm)
Heworth v RAF (KO 1.30pm)
Brighouse Rangers v Lock Lane (KO 1.30pm)
Woodhouse Warriors v Mirfield Spartans (KO 1.30pm)
Telford Raiders v London Chargers (KO 1pm)
Royal Navy v Hammersmith Hills Hoists (KO 1pm)
British Army v Wests Warriors (KO 2pm)
Sunday 11 January
Siddal ARLFC v Waterhead (KO 1.30pm) – The Sportsman
Bedford Tigers v Medway Dragons (KO 2.30pm)
Broncos (NI) v Aberavon Fighting Irish (KO 1.30pm)
Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates
First Round draw – Monday November 24 (4pm release)
First Round (Community) – Jan 10-11
Second Round (Championship clubs enter) – Jan 24-25
Third Round (Super League clubs enter) – Feb 6-8
Fourth Round (last 16) – March 14-15
Quarter Finals – April 11-12
Semi Finals – May 9/10
Final – Saturday May 30
It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here today and enjoy our early bird prices!
