Harding Cup 2026

Posted 21 January 2026

(opens in a new window)UCD FC is delighted to host the Irish Universities Football Union (IUFU) Harding Cup next week, as universities from across Ireland travel to Belfield to compete in one of Irish university football’s historic competitions.

Taking place from Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 January, this year’s tournament will see teams in action across multiple pitches on the UCD campus.

Tournament Programme & Fixtures

A full digital Harding Cup 2026 Competition Programme is available below. The programme includes:

• Match fixtures and kick-off times
• Match locations and pitch maps
• Squad lists and team photos
• Parking information

Students are welcome to attend matches across campus, and the Harding Cup Final will be live streamed, with details shared closer to kick-off by UCD FC.

UCD Sport and UCD FC look forward to welcoming all competing teams, officials and supporters to campus and wish all universities the very best of luck over the three days of competition.

Harding Cup Programme

About the Harding Cup

The Harding Cup is an intervarsity men’s football competition organised by the Irish Universities Football Union (IUFU) and traditionally contested by first-year and developing squads. The competition has long played an important role in providing emerging student-athletes with the opportunity to experience intervarsity football, while also acting as a stepping stone into higher-level university competition.

Over the years, the Harding Cup has been a showcase for future players and has contributed significantly to the development of university football across Ireland.