Belgian Cup. Women
The Belgian Women's Cup stands as a cornerstone of national women's football, captivating fans with its knockout drama and showcasing the depth of talent across divisions in pursuit of silverware.
History and foundation
Rooted in the 1970s surge of women's soccer, the inaugural edition kicked off in 1971. Standard Féminin dominated the 1980s with multiple triumphs, while Anderlecht's 2010s victories shook up the hierarchy. A 2020 pandemic cancellation marked a hiatus, but the tournament rebounded with fresh rules highlighting youth. Notably, lower-division upsets in the 1990s added unforgettable flair to its legacy.
Tournament format
Structured as a single-elimination knockout from the round of 32 or 16, it features teams from the Super League, First and Second Divisions. Ties are decided in one-off matches, often on neutral grounds, culminating in a grand final at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. The 2023/24 edition launched with 32 entrants, pitting giants like Club Brugge against underdogs.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.8 goals, spiking to over 4 in early rounds. Top scorers: Tessel Middag (13 goals), Jane Keisers (15, the record), and Nicole Garriock's flair. Standouts include Standard's keeper Dolly van der Vaart, defender Laura Delponte, and midfielder Yasmin Dorn, whose moves to Lyon and Wolfsburg elevated the competition's profile.