The 2026 Challenge Cup will begin this weekend but details of the third round draw, when Super League clubs enter, has now been confirmed.
A total of 17 first round ties are set to take place this weekend, weather permitting, with the fixtures already drawn for round two as well.
However, it’s now been confirmed that the round three draw will be made on the afternoon of Monday, 12th January, meaning Super League clubs have to wait just a few more days to find out who their opponents will be.
Of course, they won’t know exactly who they will play as the draw for round three, much like the initial draw for round two, will be done before the competition of the previous round.
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Challenge Cup including dates, broadcast details and more
After the conclusion of round one this weekend, we will know which teams face off in round two. Super League clubs will then be drawn away from home against one of the round two winners.
Just 13 of the 14 teams in Super League will compete with Toulouse Olympique opting out again. That means 13 Super League sides will be drawn away from home, with the remaining six winners from round two drawn against one another to create the round of 32.
Challenge Cup draw details confirmed
That round will take place on the weekend of February 6th to the 8th, one week before the Super League season starts. Round two will have taken place on the weekend of January 24th and 25th so Super League clubs won’t know who they face until then.
Former Challenge Cup winner John Kear will conduct the draw alongside broadcaster Ross Fiddes with 2026 marking 28 years since Kear first coached Sheffield Eagles to their famous Challenge Cup win over Wigan Warriors, and 21 years since Hull FC’s 2005 victory over Leeds Rhinos.
The draw will take place as part of the Championship season launch at Wakefield’s DIY Kitchens Stadium on Monday.
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Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates
First Round (Community clubs) – Jan 10-11
Second Round (Championship clubs enter) – Jan 24-25
Third Round (Super League clubs enter) – Feb 6-8
Fourth Round (last 16) – March 14-15
Quarter Finals – April 11-12
Semi Finals – May 9/10
Final – Saturday May 30
Challenge Cup Round One fixtures
Orrell St James v Haresfinch
Wigan St Judes v Leigh Miners Rangers
Rochdale Mayfield v Ince Rose Bridge
Blackbrook v GB Police
Siddal v Waterhead
Stanningley v Dewsbury Moor
Kings Cross Park v West Hull
Hunslet ARLFC v York Acorn
Heworth v RAF
Brighouse Rangers v Lock Lane
Woodhouse Warriors v Mirfield Spartans
Bedford Tigers v Medway Dragons
British Army v Wests Warriors
Broncos (Northern Ireland) v Aberavon Fighting Irish
Telford Raiders v London Chargers
Royal Navy v Hammersmith Hills Hoists
Challenge Cup Round Two fixtures
Super League sides will be drawn against the winners of these ties.
Oldham v Orrell St James/Haresfinch
Wigan St Jude/Leigh Miners Rangers v Barrow Raiders
Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
Blackbrook/GB Police v Workington Town
Siddal/Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets
Stanningley/Dewsbury Moor v Hunslet
Dewsbury Rams v Kings Cross Park/West Hull
Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC/York Acorn
Heworth/RAF v Keighley Cougars
Brighouse Rangers/Lock Lane v Featherstone Rovers
Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers/Medway Dragons
London Broncos v British Army/Wests Warriors
Midlands Hurricanes v Broncos (Northern Ireland)/Aberavon Fighting Irish
Halifax Panthers v Telford Raiders/London Chargers
Royal Navy/Hammersmith Hills Hoist v Salford Red Devils
Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven
Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
