Round 3 of Korea Cup Set to Begin in Two Days... Eight K League 1 Teams Join

The 12 matches of the third round of the 2026-2027 Hana Bank Korea Cup, which marks the initial entry of eight K League 1 professional football teams, will take place in two days (July 29).

The 2026-2027 Korea Cup began with a preliminary round in June for fifth-tier teams, followed by the first round featuring third- and fourth-tier teams, and the second round welcoming K League 2 (second-tier) teams, producing numerous upsets.

In particular, the second round (involving 32 teams) held on the 15th delivered thrilling moments for fans as lower-tier teams defeated higher-tier opponents in six out of the 16 matches, creating a wave of so-called "giant killings."

Leading the charge, the Jinju Citizen FC, leaders of the K4 League (fourth tier), claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory over K League 2 side Ansan Greeners. Meanwhile, the Siheung Citizen FC, leaders of the K3 League (third tier), demonstrated the strength of the lower leagues by defeating K League 2 side Daegu FC 1-0.

In addition, the K3 League's Busan Transportation Corporation pulled off the standout giant killing of the second round by defeating Suwon Samsung, managed by coach Lee Jung-hyo, 2-1 after a fierce battle that went into extra time.

Furthermore, the K3 League's Ulsan Citizen FC beat K League 2 side Seoul E-Land 4-2 after extra time, Yeoju FC of the K3 League defeated Gyeongnam FC of K League 2 1-0 in extra time, and Dangjin Citizen FC (third tier) joined the upsets by overcoming Yongin FC (second tier) 2-0.

With eight K League 1 teams entering from the third round, the appeal of "giant killings" is expected to intensify even further.

Above all, the eight K League 1 teams face the upcoming 21st round matches on August 1–2, making it difficult to field their "best squads" in the Korea Cup, thereby leaving room for potential upsets.

The match drawing the most attention in the third round is the "Ulsan Derby" between Ulsan Citizen FC and K League 1 fourth-place side Ulsan HD, set to take place at 7:00 PM the day after tomorrow at the Ulsan Stadium.

This marks the first time the two teams based in Ulsan City will face each other in an official match.

Having secured a 3-1 victory against FC Seoul in the 20th round of K League 1 on the 26th, Ulsan HD must face Anyang in the 21st round on August 2, making a squad rotation inevitable for this third round.

For Ulsan Citizen FC, they are determined to fight to the finish against an Ulsan HD side that will essentially field a reserve squad.

FC Seoul, which must travel away to play Busan IPark (second tier) in the third round, could also potentially fall victim to a giant killing.

Coincidentally, the showdown between the two teams will unfold as a "pride battle between league leaders," featuring the top team of K League 1, Seoul, and the top team of K League 2, Busan.

However, with a 21st-round K League 1 match against tough rivals Jeonbuk Hyundai coming up on August 3, Seoul is positioned not to take excessive risks in the Korea Cup as they chase their first K League 1 title in 10 years, giving Busan a solid chance of victory.

(Photo provided by the Korea Football Association, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.