Rugby league is officially back this week, with the first round of the Challenge Cup signalling the start of the 2026 campaign.
Keeping in line with last year’s format, round one will consist of amateur and community clubs from across the UK, as they compete for a place in round two, where the Championship sides will join them.
Last year’s winners, Hull KR, will enter in the third round, with them and the 12 other Super League clubs, Toulouse have opted not to participate, being seeded so that they cannot draw another top flight side, and will be drawn away from home.
After that, the regular knockout format continues until we get to the final, where Wembley once again host the historic event, as part of a double header with the Women’s final.
Ahead of the competition’s return this week, here is everything you need to know about the Challenge Cup in 2026.
Challenge Cup 2026 run-down
Who is involved in the first round?
There are 34 teams that will enter in round one, with clubs hailing from Yorkshire, Lancashire, London, Wales and Northern Ireland to name but a few. Staples of the community game are once again involved, with the likes of Siddal Thatto Heath Crusaders and Hunslet ARLFC all hoping for a chance to come up against Championship opposition.
The British Army, GB Police, RAF and Royal Navy are all included, with the teams from the forces also looking to provide an upset and progress to the next round.
Who is involved in the second round?
The 17 successful teams will join the 21 teams in the Championship in the second round, with the draw for that already being made.
Salford RLFC, the phoenix club that replaces Salford Red Devils, will travel to the winner of the tie between the Royal Navy and Hammersmith Hills Hoists, whilst second tier title favourites London Broncos will host the winner of the British Army and Wests Warriors.
The draws for both the first and second rounds have been regionalised as much as possible to try and cut down on finances for the smaller teams involved.
Two of the 19 ties will be an all-Championship affair, with Sheffield Eagles hosting Whitehaven and Doncaster welcoming Newcastle Thunder.
The full first and second round draw can be viewed here.
Which games are on TV?
In the first round, there will be two fixtures available to watch online. The BBC will stream the fixture between Rochdale Mayfield and Ince Rose Bridge on Saturday 10 January on the iPlayer. The away side made it to round three of the competition in 2025, before bowing out to Featherstone Rovers.
The following day (January 11), Siddal’s tie with Waterhead Warriors will be streamed live on The Sportsman, as Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor sees his first game in charge of the Halifax-based side televised.
The broadcast picks for the second round are yet to be confirmed.
What are the dates for each round?
Round 1 (Community clubs enter) – Weekend of January 10/11
Round 2 (Championship clubs enter) – Weekend of January 24/25
Round 3 (Super League club enter) – Weekend of February 7/8
Round 4 (Last 16) – Weekend of March 14/15
Quarter Finals – Weekend of April 11/12
Semi-Finals – Weekend of May 9/10
Final – Saturday 30 May
