El Salvador. President's Cup
The President's Cup of El Salvador is a premier national knockout competition run by the Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT). Named in honor of the sitting president, it pits top-tier and lower-division clubs in thrilling encounters that capture the passion of Salvadoran soccer fans nationwide. Revived in 2018, it serves as a mid-season highlight between the Clausura and Apertura, offering underdogs a shot at glory against the giants of the Primera División.
History and foundation
Launched in 2018 under presidential patronage, the cup quickly became a fixture in Salvadoran football. FAS from Santa Ana claimed the inaugural title with a 2:1 victory over Isidro Metapán, setting a high bar. The 2020 edition navigated COVID challenges with a compact format, crowning Alianza after edging Águila. A standout moment: in 2022, second-division Once Deportivo stunned the field to reach the semis, embodying the cup's magic. Prize money has climbed to around $100,000, fueling competitiveness and fan turnout.
Tournament format
It's a straight knockout format with 16–24 entrants: all 12 Primera clubs plus Segunda División sides and regional winners. Rounds include round of 16, quarters, semis, and a grand final typically at the 53,000-capacity Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador. Single-leg ties go to extra time and penalties if needed. Held mid-year, it slots neatly into the calendar. Recent tweaks include away goals rule for balance in early rounds.
Interesting facts
Expect goals aplenty: average 2.8 per game, spiking to 4.1 in 2021. Top scorers include Henry Salsedo (Alianza, 9 goals in 2022) and Billy Fernando (FAS, 7 in 2019). Stars who've shone: Darwin Cerna (ex-FAS, now MLS) with a 2020 hat-trick; Henry Pérez (Águila) with 12 assists. Emerging talents like Derli Olivera (Isidro Metapán) and Juan Padilla (Once Municipal) are making waves, with the cup often launching careers abroad.