The attendance for the 2025 Challenge Cup Final has been confirmed with details for the 2026 edition also announced.
The 2025 edition marked the second year in a row when the match was played in early June but 2026 will see the showpiece event brought forward a week earlier, with the RFL confirming it May 30th 2026 as Challenge Cup Final day.
That announcement was made at half time of the 2025 men’s final when Warrington Wolves were leading Hull KR 6-2 courtesy of a Josh Thewlis try.
Earlier in the day, Wigan Warriors had defeated St Helens 42-6 to win their first ever Challenge Cup trophy and end a run of four consecutive trophies for the Red Vee.
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, the RFL and Rugby League Commercial confirmed details for that game and revealed that 63,278 fans attended Wembley today.
Challenge Cup Final attendance confirmed
A statement read: “Rugby League Commercial today confirms that the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day will return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday May 30.
“It will be the first time the Challenge Cup Final has been played at Wembley in May since the renovation of the stadium – with the only May Final since 1999 coming at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022.
“Fans can register their interest in tickets via rugby-league.com to access the priority window later this Autumn. Previous ticket buyers will automatically be eligible for any ticket sales opportunities to ensure they can secure their seat for 2026.
“RL Commercial also confirms an attendance of 63,278 for the 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day – the second best since 2017.
The official attendance for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final, in which Wigan Warriors ended St Helens’ four-year dominance of the competition with a stunning 42-6 win, is 8,810.
Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of RL Commercial, said:
“We are delighted to be able to confirm the date of Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day in 2026, as we reflect on a season of significant progress for the sport’s oldest knockout competition.
“The introduction of a new format and the earlier involvement of the 12 Betfred Super League clubs was a big success, leading to a series of record attendances in the Third, Fourth and Fifth Rounds.
“The Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium remains a special occasion for Rugby League, and always produces unforgettable moments and images – this year including a spectacular performance by Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final.
“And of course we’ll be back at Wembley for the return of the Rugby League Ashes, with the First Test on Saturday October 25.”
🔒 The date for the 2026 @Betfred #ChallengeCup Finals is locked in!
👇 You can register your interest in tickets now…
— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) June 7, 2025
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