Argentine Football National Cups: A Comprehensive History
Since the inception of the first league in 1891, Argentine football has been defined by more than just the main Primera División championship. For over a century, a variety of official cup competitions have complemented the league, adding prestige and intensity to the domestic game. From early 20th-century tournaments to modern-day supercups, these competitions have shaped the legacy of the country's most iconic clubs.
The first official cup held in the country was the Copa de Honor Municipalidad de Buenos Aires, launched in 1905 and played until 1920. This paved the way for a rich tradition of knockout and short-format tournaments that allowed teams from different divisions and regions to compete for glory.
The Legacy of the Copa Campeonato
The Copa Campeonato holds a special place in history as the oldest trophy of Argentine football still linked to a current competition. Established in 1896—just three years after the Association was created—it was awarded to the Primera División champion without interruption until 1926.
Throughout its early years, the trophy was known by several names, including the "Challenge Cup" and the "Copa Alumni." The latter name arose after the legendary Alumni team won the cup three consecutive times between 1900 and 1902. Although the Association offered the club the honor of keeping the trophy permanently, Alumni declined, insisting that the cup remain under dispute for all teams.
After decades of dormancy, the trophy returned to circulation in June 2013. It was repurposed for a new competition called the "Superfinal," a single match played at a neutral venue between the winners of the Torneo Inicial and Torneo Final (split seasons similar to the Apertura and Clausura format).
![The "Copa Campeonato" trophy was awarded to Primera División champion from 1896 until 1926.[1] From 2013 to 2015, it was given to the Superfinal winner.[2]](/images/79/82/7982096ecfa336d06399ffc1141a402fd53e6a903f9cbec3d7c112868557bd26.png)
Current and Defunct Cup Competitions
The landscape of Argentine cups has evolved significantly. While many early tournaments are now defunct, several high-profile competitions remain active today. Current official cups include the Copa Argentina, Supercopa Argentina, Copa de la Liga Profesional, Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional, and the Supercopa Internacional.
Historically, these cups were organized by various governing bodies, including the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the Federación Argentina de Football (FAF), the Asociación Amateurs de Football (AAmF), and the Liga Argentina de Football (LAF).
| Cup Name | Status | Years Held | Contested By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copa de Honor MBA | Defunct | 1905–1920 | Primera División & Liga Rosarina |
| Copa Argentina | Active | 1969–70, 2012–Present | All divisions of Argentine league system |
| Supercopa Argentina | Active | 2012–Present | Primera División & Copa Argentina champions |
| Copa de la Liga Profesional | Defunct | 2020–2024 | Primera División |
| Trofeo de Campeones (LPF) | Active | 2020–Present | Primera División & Copa de la Liga champions |
| Supercopa Internacional | Active | 2022–Present | Primera División & Trofeo de Campeones champions |
Key Facts
- Oldest Trophy: The Copa Campeonato (est. 1896) is the oldest trophy for a current competition.
- Most Successful Club: Boca Juniors leads the rankings with 17 national cup titles.
- Inclusive Competition: The Copa Argentina is unique for including clubs from all divisions of the Argentine league system.
- Diverse Governance: National cups have been managed by various entities over time, including AFA, FAF, AAmF, and LAF.
- Regional Integration: Early cups like the Copa Dr. Carlos Ibarguren integrated Primera División clubs with regional leagues.
Club Success and Title Distribution
The distribution of titles reflects the dominance of Argentina's "Big Five" and other historic powerhouses. Boca Juniors holds the record with 17 titles, followed closely by River Plate with 16 and Racing with 15. Independiente (9) and Huracán (8) also maintain significant trophy cabinets.
Other clubs have found success in specific eras; for example, Alumni won 5 titles in the early 1900s, while more recent winners include Estudiantes (LP) and Rosario Central, who have secured titles in the modern Copa Argentina and Copa de la Liga Profesional formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Primera División and the National Cups?
The Primera División is the main league championship, whereas the National Cups are separate official competitions that may use knockout formats or involve champions from different tournaments.
Which club has won the most national cups in Argentina?
Boca Juniors is the most successful club in terms of national cup titles, with a total of 17 trophies.
What was the "Superfinal"?
The Superfinal was a competition created in 2013 consisting of a single match between the winners of the Torneo Inicial and Torneo Final, using the historic Copa Campeonato trophy.
Are there cups that are not included in the official national cup list?
Yes. Competitions like the Copa Bullrich and Copa Presidente de la Nación are not included in the primary national cup list because they were not contested by Primera División clubs.
Which current cups are still active in Argentina?
The active competitions include the Copa Argentina, Supercopa Argentina, Trofeo de Campeones de la Liga Profesional, and the Supercopa Internacional.