The Gap FC will line up in the largest-ever Kappa Queensland Cup in 2026, with opening-round fixtures now confirmed across Queensland.
Organised by Football Queensland, the statewide knockout tournament has expanded to a record 307 teams competing across Men’s, Women’s, Under-18 Boys and Under-18 Girls divisions.
From the official draw, The Gap FC will meet Caboolture Sports FC in the Under-18 Boys Round of 32, with progression setting up a Round of 16 clash against the winner of Logan Lightning/North Star and Brighton Bulldogs. In the Under-18 Girls competition, The Gap receives a Round of 32 bye and moves directly into the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to play the winner of Wynnum Wolves and Logan Lightning.
The Kappa Queensland Cup uses a straight knockout format, creating high-stakes matches from the opening rounds. For youth squads especially, it provides valuable experience beyond regular league fixtures, exposing players to unfamiliar opponents and win-or-go-home scenarios.
For clubs like The Gap FC, the tournament supports player development pathways by giving emerging footballers meaningful competitive minutes under pressure. Coaches often use Cup matches to rotate squads, test combinations and accelerate junior progression.
With fixtures running alongside the regular season, supporters can track both league and Cup journeys, with the potential for home knockout ties later in the draw if hosting rights fall The Gap’s way. The expanded 2026 field reflects continued growth in participation and interest in statewide knockout football.
Published 30-Jan-2026
