Croatia Cup

The Hrvatski nogometni kup (English: Croatian football cup), also colloquially known as Rabuzinovo sunce (lit. 'Rabuzin's Sun'), is an annually held football tournament for Croatian football clubs and is the second most important competition in Croatian football after the HNL championship. It is governed by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) and usually runs from late August to late May. Cup winners automatically qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League, except when cup winners are also Prva HNL champions, in which case their berth in the Europa Conference League goes to the best-placed team in the Prva HNL who have not qualified for the UEFA competitions through their league performance.

The cup was established in 1992, after Croatian clubs had abandoned the Yugoslav First League and Yugoslav Cup competitions following the breakup of Yugoslavia. As of the most recent 2021–22 season a total of 31 cup seasons were held. The competition has historically been dominated by the two Eternal Derby sides—the most successful club is Dinamo Zagreb (formerly known in the 1990s as HAŠK Građanski and Croatia Zagreb) who appeared in 23 finals and won 16 titles, followed by Hajduk Split who won 8 titles out of 13 finals they appeared in.

Either Dinamo or Hajduk appeared in all but three cup finals (in 1999, 2006 and 2020) and only three other clubs have won the cup—Rijeka (six wins), Inter Zaprešić (one win) and Osijek (one win). Although clubs can qualify for the cup via regional county cups, which are usually contested by second-, third- or fourth-level sides, Uljanik Pula in 2003 was the only team in the history of the competition to have reached the cup final from outside the top level.

**Croatia Cup: A Celebration of Soccer Excellence**

The Croatia Cup is an exhilarating annual soccer tournament that showcases the best of Croatian football talent, bringing together clubs from across the nation in a thrilling competition. Established to promote the sport and foster local rivalries, the tournament features teams from various leagues, including top-tier clubs and emerging talents, all vying for the prestigious title.

Held in iconic stadiums throughout Croatia, the Croatia Cup offers fans an unforgettable experience filled with passion, skill, and sportsmanship. Each match is a testament to the rich soccer heritage of the country, with players displaying their prowess and determination on the field. The tournament not only highlights the competitive spirit of Croatian soccer but also serves as a platform for young athletes to shine and make their mark.

As teams battle through knockout rounds, the excitement builds towards the grand finale, where the champions are crowned in a spectacular showdown. The Croatia Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of community, culture, and the love of the game, drawing fans from all walks of life to unite in support of their favorite clubs.

Join us for the Croatia Cup, where every match is a thrilling chapter in the story of Croatian soccer, and witness the emergence of new legends on the pitch!