> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gameday-squad.gitbook.io/gameday-squad/sports/football/learning-the-game/competitions/the-2026-league-cup.md). # The 2026 League Cup **What is the League Cup?** The League Cup is a head-to-head, survivor style fantasy competition. Each week coaches select a new squad and face off in knockout battles. Lose and you're out, win and you advance. Fixtures are redrawn every round, and each victory earns you bigger, more exciting prizes. The last coach standing takes home the Cup. #### **Competition Details:** * **Format:** The 2026 League Cup follows traditional survivor fantasy rules. * **Competition Type:** All squads must adhere to Classic Competition squad rules. * **Participants:** A total of 128 coaches will compete. * **Qualification:** The 128 coaches with the highest seasonal Classic ranking after Round 4. * **Fixtures:** Each round's matchups are randomised. * **Number of weeks:** The official cup competition spans 7 weeks, starting from Round 5. ### Qualification Qualification for the League Cup is open and free to all coaches. After Round 4, the 128 coaches with the highest seasonal Classic score will automatically qualify for Week 1 of the League Cup. No additional action is required. If you're among the top 128, your entry will be automatically confirmed for the official Week 1 draw. ### **How to Play** As a coach, your only task is to set your Classic Competition squad each week. GDS will handle the rest, creating the fixtures and providing updates after each week on who is advancing and who has been eliminated. Coaches progress through the League Cup via head-to-head matchups in each week. The **loser of each fixture is eliminated**, while the winner advances to the next week. This continues until only one coach remains.
Example of matchup progression: * **Week 1:** ✅ 912 vs 830 * **Week 2:** ✅ 899 vs 890 * **Week 3:** ✅ 934 vs 910 * **Week 4:** 900 vs 803 ❌ (Eliminated) If you win your matchup, you move on. If you lose, you're out. **It is important to note:** in the case of a draw, the higher seasonal rank will be the tiebreaker. *** ### **Prizes** Each week you survive earns you rewards: * **Week 1:** 1 x 9 Player Common Pack * **Week 2:** 1 x 3 Player Rare Pack * **Week 3:** 1 x 9 Player Rare Pack * **Week 4:** 1 x 3 Player Unique Pack * **Week 5:** 1 x 9 Player Unique Pack * **Week 6:** 1 x 10 Player Elite Pack * **Week 7 (Final):** Pick 34 in the 2027 GDS Prize Card Draft Coaches who have won seasonal prize cards are still eligible to win the League Cup prize card, as the Fez Rule is not applied to the League Cup.