The 2026/27 MTN FA Cup will feature Ghanaian domestic football’s first two-legged final, with the competition beginning on 23 October.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the historic change at the preliminary-round draw at its headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The event determined the opening fixtures for clubs from the lower divisions.
The final’s first leg will be played between 5 and 7 June 2027, followed by the return leg on 12–13 June. Frank Nelson of the FA Cup Committee said the format would initially be tested as a pilot project, allowing both finalists to stage a major cup match in front of their own supporters.
“The two-legged final is a pilot project; however, if it works, it goes on,” he said, while also highlighting the importance of community involvement during this season’s tournament.
Participating clubs were divided into 10 zones for the preliminary round, producing a number of regional contests. The fixtures include Victory Club Warriors FC against Eleven Wonders FC, Real Tamale United versus Yapei United, Okwawu United against Kotoku Royals, Great Olympics against MSK Zilina Africa FC and Golden Kick SC versus Attram De Visser.
Accra Lions FC have been drawn against John Paintsil FC, while Tamale City FC will meet Wa Power SC in another northern-zone tie. The matches will give emerging players an opportunity to attract attention while renewing local rivalries.
The preliminary round will determine which lower-division clubs reach the Round of 64. The 18 Ghana Premier League sides will enter the competition at that stage, with the tournament then continuing through the Round of 32, quarter-finals and semi-finals before the two-match final in June.
Organisers are using the theme “My MTN FA Cup, My Community” for the campaign. Chiefs, traditional authorities and residents have been encouraged to support their local clubs and help ensure the competition is both lively and peaceful.
The FA Cup was first held in 1958 and has traditionally offered clubs outside the established elite a chance to compete against more prominent opponents. MTN Ghana became headline sponsor before the 2010/11 season, when Nania FC beat Asante Kotoko 1–0 in the final.
The partnership has continued to provide a national platform for local talent. The winners also earn the chance to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, subject to the applicable qualification requirements.
Nations FC begin the new campaign as defending champions. They beat Dreams FC on penalties after last season’s final finished 1–1 following extra time.
The introduction of the two-legged final, alongside the competition’s community focus and regional match-ups, will form the backdrop to the latest edition of Ghana’s knockout cup.