Copa Argentina: An In-Depth Look at Argentina's National Football Cup

A Prestigious Tournament

The Copa Argentina is Argentina's most prestigious domestic football cup competition, bringing together teams from all over the country. It was first held in 1969 and has been contested annually since 2011. The tournament is open to all clubs affiliated with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), regardless of their league or division.

The Copa Argentina is a knockout competition, with teams playing single-elimination matches to determine the winner. The tournament is divided into two stages: the qualification round and the final stage. In the qualification round, teams from lower divisions compete for a limited number of spots in the final stage. The final stage features 64 teams, including the top teams from the Argentine Primera División.

Format and Gameplay

Qualification Round

The qualification round typically begins in January or February and concludes in April. Teams from the Primera B Nacional, Primera B Metropolitana, and other lower divisions participate in this round. The number of teams that qualify for the final stage varies from year to year, but it is typically around 16.

Final Stage

The final stage of the Copa Argentina begins in May or June and concludes in December. The 64 teams that qualify for the final stage are seeded based on their league ranking. The tournament is played in a single-elimination format, with teams playing one-legged matches to determine the winner. The final match is held at a neutral venue, typically in Córdoba or Mendoza.

Winners and Records

Boca Juniors is the most successful club in the Copa Argentina, having won the tournament six times. River Plate is second with four titles, followed by Arsenal de Sarandí with three titles. The most goals scored in a single Copa Argentina match is six, which was achieved by Boca Juniors in a 6-0 victory over Deportivo Riestra in 2018.

The Copa Argentina is a highly competitive tournament that offers teams from all over Argentina a chance to win a major trophy. The tournament is also a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their talent and earn a spot on the national team.