Finnish Cup. Women
The Finnish Women's Cup is a premier knockout competition in Finnish women's football, featuring top teams from the Ykkönen league and lower divisions. It offers underdogs a shot at glory and highlights the growing popularity of women's soccer in Finland, with clubs vying for the trophy and European qualification spots.
History and foundation
Launched in the 1980s amid Scandinavia's women's football boom, the first edition was in 1983. HJK Helsinki leads with 10 titles, achieving a domestic double in 2022. PK-35 Vantaa's 1990s three-peat included a 15-match unbeaten streak. PKKU Kuopio's 2010s upset final win (2:1) remains iconic. COVID-19 shortened the 2020 edition, but it rebounded strongly, showcasing resilience.
Tournament format
The format spans multiple rounds from 1/32 finals to the final. Lower-tier teams enter early; top clubs join at the last 16. Single-leg knockout matches, with potential two-legged ties later. The final is on neutral ground like TeliaTurku or Helsinki stadiums in May-June. Up to 48 teams compete.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 3.2, spiking to 4.5 in early rounds. Top scorers: Eveliina Summainen (HJK, 25 cup goals), Sari Kytö (ex-PK-35, 18). Stars include Katriina Talaslahti (HJK defender, Swedish league alum); Eveliina Parninen (Åland United midfielder, assist queen); legend Linnea Valström (five final goals). Youngster Emma Vuorinen (TPS) netted a 2023 quarterfinal hat-trick, signaling rising talent.