The first round of the 2026 Challenge Cup, played on the weekend of January 10/11, will feature 31 community-based sides, as well as the British Army, the British Navy, the RAF, and the GB Police.
The second round will feature the 17 round one winners, as well as 21 clubs from the expanded Championship and will be played on the Weekend of January 24-25. Fixtures for rounds 1 and 2 are drawn in local divisions to help minimise travel costs. Due to Featherstone not being granted RFL Membership for 2026, Lock Lane receives a bye to the third round
The third round will feature the 19 round one winners, as well as thirteen of the fourteen Super League clubs (Toulouse are not participating). As with last year, the Super League clubs will be the away teams. These fixtures will be played on February 6-8 (the weekend before Super League starts).
The Round of 16 – March 14,15
The Quarter Finals – April 11-12
Semi-Finals May 9-10
Final May 30