The Norwegian Football Cup (Norwegian: Norgesmesterskapet i fotball for herrer) is the main knockout cup competition in Norwegian football. It is run by the Football Association of Norway and has been contested since 1902, making it the oldest football tournament in the country. The tournament is commonly known as Cupen ("The Cup"), NM or NM Cup (NM Cupen), an acronym formed from Norgesmesterskap ("Norwegian Championship"). These terms are used to describe both the men's and women's competitions. The equivalent competition for women's teams is the Norwegian Women's Football Cup.

The Norwegian Football Cup is a national championship, meaning that while the Eliteserien may be the most prestigious competition to win, it is the winners of the Cup who are awarded the title "Norwegian football champions". This differs from, for example, English football, where the winners of the Premier League are the ones who become English champions.

Winners receive the King's trophy. Winners also qualify for the Europa Conference League second qualifying round and a place in the Mesterfinalen, the Norwegian super cup match. The current Norwegian champions and holders of the cup are Molde, who defeated Bodø/Glimt 1–0 in the 2022 final. Odd and Rosenborg are the most successful clubs with 12 titles each.

History

The first cup was played in 1902, and Oscar II presented the King's Cup to the inaugural tournament. This was an invitation tournament organised by Kristiania IF and the Norwegian Football Association, which was later given official status. Five teams joined the competition, and Odd reached the final without playing a match. Grane won the first Norwegian Cup after they defeated Odd 2–0 at Gamle Frogner Stadion, Kristiania. The first tournament who had official status at the time of the events was the 1904 Norwegian Cup and was won by Odd. In the beginning, the cup was open for county champions only. This continued until 1917, when the cup was opened for all clubs of a certain standing. League football began with the 1937–38 season, and Fredrikstad became the first team to win a domestic double by winning both the league and the cup in the same year. Due to the outbreak of World War II, the competition was not played between the 1940 and 1945 editions. The competition was not nationwide until 1963. 1963 was the first year clubs from Northern Norway were allowed to participate, this was due to a poor communication system in the northern parts of Norway and to the belief that the clubs in the three northern counties could not compete on the same level as the southern clubs (Bodø/Glimt – one of the two northern newcomers – did stay in the cup to the fourth round that year). Until 1963, teams from Northern Norway competed in their own Northern Norwegian Championships.

Before the 2004 cup final, NRK awarded the 1986 final between Tromsø and Lillestrøm with the title Tidenes Cupfinale (Best cup final ever), and ex-Rosenborg striker Gøran Sørloth with Tidenes Cuphelt (Best cup hero ever).

The final has been played at Ullevaal Stadion since the 1948 cup final.

The Norway Cup is a highly anticipated and prestigious soccer tournament held annually in Norway. It is one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the world, attracting teams from all corners of the globe. The tournament takes place in Oslo, the capital city of Norway, and spans over a week, creating an exhilarating and vibrant atmosphere.

The Norway Cup provides a platform for young soccer players, aged between 10 and 19, to showcase their skills and compete against teams of similar age groups. With over 2,000 teams participating each year, the tournament offers a diverse and competitive environment for players to test their abilities and gain valuable experience.

The tournament is not only about the matches but also about cultural exchange and friendship. Participants have the opportunity to interact with players from different countries, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding among diverse cultures. This aspect of the Norway Cup makes it a truly unique and enriching experience for all involved.

The Norway Cup is known for its exceptional organization and facilities. Matches are played on top-quality grass and artificial turf fields, ensuring a high standard of play. The tournament also offers a range of off-field activities, including concerts, parades, and cultural events, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the week.

In addition to the competitive aspect, the Norway Cup emphasizes fair play and sportsmanship. The tournament promotes values such as respect, teamwork, and inclusivity, encouraging players to uphold these principles both on and off the field. This commitment to fair play has earned the Norway Cup a reputation as a model tournament in the international soccer community.

Overall, the Norway Cup is a celebration of youth soccer, bringing together talented players from around the world in a spirit of friendly competition and cultural exchange. It is an event that not only showcases the skills of young athletes but also promotes unity, friendship, and the love of the beautiful game.