Post by : Shakul

The 2026 edition of the Turkmenistan Football Cup officially began on May 6 with exciting quarter-final matches taking place across Turkmenistan. The tournament marks the 35th edition of the country’s prestigious domestic football cup competition and features eight clubs from the nation’s top football division competing for one of the country’s most important football trophies.

Football fans across Turkmenistan are closely following the tournament as several well-known clubs prepare to battle for a place in the semi-finals. Three clubs from the capital city Ashgabat are participating this year, including Altyn Asyr, Ashgabat and Kopetdag.

Other participating teams include Nebitchi from Balkanabat, Shagadam from Turkmenbashy, Merv from Mary, Ahal from the Ahal region and defending champions Arkadag from the city of Arkadag.

The opening quarter-final match of the tournament was scheduled to take place in Turkmenbashy where Shagadam faced Kopetdag in front of local supporters. The match attracted strong attention from football fans eager to see the start of another competitive domestic cup season.

Meanwhile, three additional quarter-final matches were arranged in Ashgabat. One of the most anticipated encounters was the capital derby between Altyn Asyr and Ashgabat at the stadium in Buzmeyin district. Supporters expected an intense clash between two clubs with strong football traditions and loyal fan bases.

Defending champions Arkadag began their title defence against Merv at the Nisa Stadium. Arkadag entered the competition with high confidence after winning the previous edition of the tournament and continuing to establish themselves as one of the strongest clubs in Turkmen football.

Another important quarter-final fixture saw Ahal face Nebitchi at the multifunctional Ashgabat Stadium. Ahal remains one of the country’s most experienced football clubs and was runner-up in last year’s cup final after losing to Arkadag in a dramatic comeback victory.

Football officials confirmed that the second-leg quarter-final matches will take place on June 24, giving teams several weeks to prepare for the decisive return fixtures. The home-and-away format is expected to create exciting competition as clubs aim to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Last season, Arkadag won the Turkmenistan Cup for the third time after defeating Ahal 2-1 in the final. The 2026 tournament is expected to deliver more thrilling football action as clubs from across the country compete for national glory and an important place in Turkmenistan’s football history.

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