The 2026–27 Scottish Challenge Cup, known as the KDM Evolution Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is the 35th season of the competition. The competition began on 11 August 2026 with an expanded league phase and the final is due to take place on either the weekend of 27 March or 3 April.
There are 50 competing teams: all 30 teams from the lower three tiers of the SPFL 10 'B' Teams from the 12 Premiership clubs (but not Falkirk or St Johnstone) 10 guest clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues
Format RoundDateFixturesClubsNew entriesLeague Phase12050 → 32Round of 323/4 November 20261632 → 1610 teams from 2026–27 Scottish ChampionshipRound of 1624/25 November 2026816 → 8Quarter-Finals12/13 January 202748 → 4Semi-Finals9/10 February 202724 → 2Final27/28 March or 3/4 April 202712 → 1
League phase Fixtures were published on 16 July 2026 at 13:00. The matches are being played from 11 August 2026 to 13 October 2026.
League phase matches
Notes
League phase table
References
External links