Gold Cup 2026 to be held in Himmafushi

Ninety Plus has announced that the second edition of Gold Cup will be held in K. Himmafushi. 

Gold Cup, open nation-wide to cities and islands, has been held annually since 2014. 

Organizers of Gold Cup, Ninety Plus signed an agreement with K. Himmafushi Council to host this year's tournament on the island. 

The tournament this year will be held from July 25 to August 30. Previously, K. Atoll qualifying matches were to be held in Himmafushi. 

This year, 28 teams will be competing in the Gold Cup. This includes the top eight teams from last year, Kulhudhuffushi City and Thinadhoo City. From the five cities in the country, these two cities did not participate in last year's tournament. 

The eight teams in the lead in last year's tournament, and so receiving automatic qualifying for the 2026 Gold Cup are Champions B. Eydhafushi, Runner-up Addu, the two other teams in the semi-finals Male' and R. Alifushi, Fuvahmulah, K. Guraidhoo, Lh. Naifaru and K. Maafushi. 

- A total of 28 teams

- Automatic qualifying for the top 8 teams from last year

- Remaining 18 spots go to one team each from 18 atolls. If more than one team contest from an atoll, the team will be selected through qualifying rounds

The 28 competing teams will be split into 7 groups of four teams each. The 16 best teams will proceed to the second round. The top two teams from each group will be automatically selected for the second round. The remaining slots will go to the teams with the best results from amongst the second runner-ups of all the groups. 

The tournament, spanning over 35 days, will feature 42 matches, two each day.