Belasitsa vs Dobrudzha - Cup

The Cup returns to Stadion Tsar Samuil on October 4, 2026, where Belasitsa and Dobrudzha will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Cup contest at Stadion Tsar Samuil offers a chance to lay down a marker. Belasitsa will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Dobrudzha's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Belasitsa will look to impose their style on home soil, while Dobrudzha are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. But this is still £10m short of what Etihad bosses are demanding for the World Cup winner, having originally stated they wanted at least £60m for the midfielder.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The result at Stadion Tsar Samuil could resonate well beyond matchday in the Cup picture. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.