Scottish Cup Format

This article outlines the current entry format for each round of the Scottish Cup, Scotland's national football competition. This format was introduced for the 2007-08 competition.

First round

36 clubs (18 ties):
*14 clubs formerly participating in the Qualifying Cup North, excluding the top two in the Highland League.

  • 18 clubs formerly participating in the Qualifying Cup South, excluding the winners of the East of Scotland and South of Scotland leagues.
  • 4 Scottish Junior FA clubs :
    • Winner of the Scottish Junior Cup
    • Winner of the East SUPER League
    • Winner of the West Super League
    • Winner of the North Premier League

Second round

32 clubs (16 ties):
*18 first round winners

  • Top two in the Highland League
  • Winner of the East of Scotland League
  • Winner of the South of Scotland League
  • Ten clubs in the Scottish Football League Division Three

Third round

32 clubs (16 ties):
*16 second round winners

  • Ten clubs in the Scottish Football League Division Two
  • Four clubs in positions 5-8 in Scottish Football League Division One from the previous season
  • Club promoted from Scottish Football League Division Two from the previous season
  • Winner of Division One/Two Relegation Playoff Match

Fourth round

32 clubs (16 ties):
*16 third round winners

  • 12 clubs in the Scottish Premier League from the previous season
  • Four clubs in positions 1-4 in Scottish Football League Division One from the previous season

Fifth round

16 clubs (8 ties):
*Fourth round winners.

Sixth round

8 clubs (4 ties):
*Fifth round winners.

Semi-finals

4 clubs (2 ties):

  • Sixth round winners
  • Matches played at neutral venues.
  • No replays - matches played to a finish.

Final

2 clubs (1 tie):

  • Semi final winners.
  • Match played at Hampden Park.
  • No replay - match played to a finish.