Icelandic Women's Cup
The Icelandic Women's Cup, run by the Football Association of Iceland (KSÍ), is a knockout competition featuring clubs from the top-tier Úrvalsdeild kvenna, First Division, and lower leagues. It embodies the underdog spirit, allowing smaller sides to challenge giants and fueling the surge in women's soccer popularity in a nation pioneering gender equality in sports.
History and foundation
Launched in 1981 within the general cup framework, it gained standalone status for women in the 1990s. ÍBV from Vestmannaeyjar claimed the inaugural title. Memorable moments include Þór/KA's 2015 extra-time victory over Breidablik (2:1) and Stjarnan's 2020 triumph amid pandemic restrictions. Many cup winners have transitioned to European leagues, boosting Iceland's global footprint.
Tournament format
Single-elimination format with 20–30 teams entering in April-May, culminating in a September final at Laugardalsvöllur in Reykjavik. No seeding means pure chaos: lower-division teams routinely upset favorites in early rounds.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, spiking to over 4 in qualifiers. All-time top scorer: Sigríður Lárusdóttir (nearly 50 goals in the 1990s). Standouts include Sara Gunnarsdóttir (Breidablik assists queen), Hildur Antónia Rún Ólafsdóttir (FH long-range specialist), and modern stars Glódís Viggósdóttir (Thróttur) and Svandís Svava Hrafnkelssdóttir, shaping Iceland's next wave.