How often have all four Welsh Cup semi-finalists been from North Wales?
Prior to this season, only once has a full house of Welsh Cup semi-finalists been from North Wales in the competition’s 148-year history..
It is safe to say no-one reading this article will remember it happening.
Back in 1892-93 – 133 years ago – the last four featured Wrexham, Llandudno Swifts, Chirk and Druids. Wrexham defeated Swifts 2-1 and Chirk overwhelmed the Druids 6-1. In the final, Wrexham pipped Chirk 2-1.
In all the many seasons since, no Welsh Cup competition has featured four northern semi-finalists until CPD Dinas Bangor City 1876, Caernarfon Town, Flint Town United and CPD Y Rhyl 1879 achieved it on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
There have been some close calls in the modern-era, with three North Wales clubs making up the semi finals five times.
In 1982-83, Colwyn Bay, Swansea City, Caernarfon Town and Wrexham were the final four.
The 1992-93 competition semis line up was Rhyl FC, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Cardiff City and Wrexham.
Then in 2009-10, Bala Town, Port Talbot Town, Bangor City and Prestatyn Town made it to the penultimate stage.
The 2011-12 semi-finalists were Bala Town, The New Saints, Cefn Druids and Airbus UK Broughton.
And finally, the 2016-17 last four comprised Caernarfon Town, Bala Town, gap Connah’s Quay and The New Saints.
Why so few all-north semis over the history of the Welsh Cup dating back to 1877?
Well, the strong South Wales presence of Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County over many a year had plenty to do with it, as was the regular past inclusion of England-based clubs like Chester. Tranmere Rovers and Hereford United.
After Wales’ Football League giants were expelled from 1995-96 due to them opting not to join the Welsh system, the doors looked to be open for more North Wales success, but teams such as Barry Town, The New Saints and Cwmbran Town have so often put the buffers on that.
So, when the 2025-26 semi-final line-up is drawn, it will have a very rare and historic look to it.