Japan Emperor's Cup Confirms Nine Prefectural Qualifiers and Sets 2nd‑Round Monte Yamagata vs Fujieda Match

The Japan Football Association announced that nine prefectural teams have secured places in the 106th Emperor's Cup after a series of surprise results in the regional qualifiers. University sides caused two giant‑killings: Seishun University defeated J3 club SC Sagamihara 1‑0 in Kanagawa, and Kanazawa Seiryo University beat Zweigen Kanazawa 1‑0 in Ishikawa. Other qualifiers include FC Gifu, Renofa Yamaguchi, Reilac Shiga FC, Nara Club, Ehime FC and Giravanz Kitakyushu, completing the roster of representatives from nine prefectures.

The tournament’s second round will be played on 26 August 2026, with Monte di Yamagata hosting Fujieda MYFC at ND Soft Stadium Yamagata. Ticket information, pricing tiers and accessibility provisions were released, with free invitation tickets available for JFA members. The match follows the first‑round kickoff scheduled for 19 August.