Finnish Cup
The Finnish Cup is Finland's premier knockout football competition, run by the Football Association of Finland (SPL). Since 2024, it's branded as Ykkösliigan Suomen Cup. It pits top-tier Veikkausliiga sides against underdogs from lower divisions, often producing thrilling upsets and passionate encounters.
History and foundation
Launched in 1955 with sporadic early editions, it became annual from the 1960s. Reforms in the 1990s solidified its structure as Suomen Cup. Highlights include HJK's 2019 win over RoPS (2-1) and KuPS's 2020 triumph. Fun fact: In 1996, second-division Lappeenranta Akranit reached the final, losing only in extra time to a top club.
Tournament format
Single-elimination format with up to 64 teams from all levels, from Veikkausliiga elites to fifth-division amateurs. Early rounds in summer, playoffs in autumn. The final is on neutral ground, typically in Helsinki's Olympic Stadium.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.8, spiking to 4 in preliminary rounds. All-time top scorers: Juhani Hiitela (35 goals), Ari Suominen (28). Stars like Teemu Pukki (12 goals for HJK early on), Spencer Ealing's 2023 hat-trick for KuPS in semis, and rising talents like Risto Mattila of SJK shine here.