The Football Association of Wales has officially confirmed the draw for Round Four of the JD Welsh Cup, setting the stage for a decisive phase in the 149th edition of Wales’ oldest football competition. Matches are scheduled for the weekends of November 21–23, 2025, with kick-offs at 14:00 and 19:45 UTC across venues from the Valleys to the North Coast. This isn’t just another round—it’s the point where semi-professional clubs and historic names begin to clash with the country’s elite, and where dreams of UEFA Europa League qualification start to feel real.
From Qualifying to the Threshold of Glory
It’s been a long road since the qualifying rounds began in July. Over 114 teams fought through the first and second qualifying rounds, with results like Afan United’s 6-4 thriller over Sifil AFC and Tata Steel United’s 7-0 demolition of their rivals setting the tone. By August 23, only 32 remained. Then came Round One on October 18: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 crushed Caersws 6-1, while Bala Town silenced Connah’s Quay 3-0. Round Two on October 25 saw upsets: Kinmel Bay blew out Colwyn Bay 5-0, and Cefn Cribwr FC edged Pontypridd Town 3-1. Now, after six months of rain-slicked pitches and last-minute goals, the field has narrowed to 16.
Who’s Left Standing?
The remaining teams are a mix of heritage and grit. The New Saints F.C., the dominant force in Welsh football for over a decade, were stunned 6-0 by Llanelli Town in Round Three—an outcome that sent shockwaves through the league. Meanwhile, Barry Town United, a club that once played in the English system and won this very cup in 2019, are back in the mix after a 3-0 win. Porthmadog, the coastal side with a cult following, kept alive their hopes with a 3-2 win over Port Talbot Town. And then there’s Blaenavon Blues, the small-town club from the old coal region, who’ve already knocked out two higher-ranked opponents and now stand one win away from the quarterfinals.
The Prize: More Than Just a Trophy
Winning the JD Welsh Cup doesn’t just mean lifting a silver cup in front of 3,000 fans at Cardiff’s Cardiff City Stadium. It means a direct ticket to the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds. For clubs like Llanelli Town or Barry Town United, that’s a chance to play in front of European crowds, earn vital revenue, and put Welsh football on the continental map. Even for the smallest clubs, the financial windfall from a single Europa League qualifier can fund a new pitch, pay player bonuses, or keep the youth academy alive. This is why, even in the middle of November, when the Welsh weather turns brutal and the pitches turn to mud, fans still show up—wrapped in scarves, chanting through the rain.
What Comes Next?
After Round Four, the winners face another round on November 29, 2025, followed by the quarterfinals on December 13, 2025, where seven matches are already scheduled. The semifinals will be played in early January 2026, with the final set for April 26, 2026, at Cardiff City Stadium. The Football Association of Wales has confirmed that all matches from Round Four onward will be streamed live on its official platform, with select games also broadcast on S4C. The sponsorship from JD Sports Fashion PLC has helped elevate production quality, bringing better camera angles and real-time stats to fans across the UK and beyond.
A Legacy Older Than Most Nations
The JD Welsh Cup began in 1877–78—three years before the first official FA Cup final. It predates the formation of the Football League, the creation of FIFA, and even the modern Welsh national team. Clubs like Wrexham and Cardiff City built their reputations on this cup. Even today, when the Premier League dominates headlines, this competition remains the heartbeat of Welsh football. It’s not about global audiences or TV deals. It’s about a village team from Rhondda beating a city club from Swansea, and the whole community turning out to celebrate. That’s why, despite the corporate branding of JD Sports, the soul of the cup remains untouched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams have the best chance of winning the JD Welsh Cup this season?
While Llanelli Town and Barry Town United are surging after strong Round Three performances, The New Saints F.C. remain favorites due to their depth and European experience. However, upsets are common—last year’s winner, Cefn Druids, was a third-tier side entering the competition. The knockout format makes any team capable of winning if they peak at the right time.
How does winning the JD Welsh Cup lead to UEFA Europa League qualification?
The winner of the JD Welsh Cup earns a direct entry into the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. If they win their tie, they advance to the next round, where they could face teams from Poland, Austria, or even Turkey. This is a crucial revenue stream—last year’s winner earned over £1.2 million in UEFA prize money and broadcasting rights, enough to fund two full seasons of operations for most Welsh clubs.
Why are English clubs allowed to compete in the Welsh Cup?
Clubs like Merthyr Town and Bath City play in the Welsh football pyramid due to geographic proximity and historical league structures. The FAW allows them to enter the cup as long as they’re members of the Welsh league system. Their participation adds competitive depth but also creates tension—some Welsh fans argue it dilutes the cup’s identity, while others see it as a sign of the system’s flexibility.
What’s the historical significance of the 2025-26 edition being the 149th?
The 149th edition makes the JD Welsh Cup the second-oldest national cup competition in the world, behind only England’s FA Cup (established 1871). It has survived two world wars, the collapse of the coal industry, and decades of financial struggle. Winning it today carries the weight of history—many of the current players are the first in their families to ever play in a cup final. The trophy has been lifted by legends like John Toshack and Ian Rush, and now, it’s someone else’s turn.
Where can fans watch the Round Four matches?
All Round Four matches are being streamed live on the Football Association of Wales website and app. Three games—including the highest-profile clash—are being broadcast on S4C, Wales’ Welsh-language channel, with English commentary available. Local radio stations like BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru will also provide live updates. For those attending, tickets are typically under £10, and many matches are free for under-16s.
Has any non-league team ever won the JD Welsh Cup?
Yes. In 1992, Merthyr Tydfil, then in the Welsh Premier League’s lower tier, defeated Barry Town 2-1 in the final. More recently, in 2019, Cefn Druids, who had just been promoted to the top flight, won the cup as underdogs. These victories prove that in this tournament, passion and preparation can outweigh budget and reputation.