Who Will Triumph in the Welsh Cup Semis: Rhyl vs Caernarfon and Flint vs Bangor?

The JD Welsh Cup semi-finals have shaped up with Rhyl 1879 set to face Caernarfon Town and Flint Town United matched against Bangor 1876. Rhyl 1879, a second-tier phoenix club, made headlines by defeating six-time winners Barry Town 2-1, while Flint Town United triumphed over Trearddur Bay with a convincing 3-0 victory. The semi-finals will take place between 6-8 March 2026, with the final scheduled for 12 April at Newport County's Rodney Parade.

Last updated: 09 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The JD Welsh Cup semi-finals are set to feature an exciting lineup of matches, showcasing both established clubs and emerging contenders. Rhyl 1879's unexpected victory over Barry Town has captivated fans, marking a significant moment for the club and their supporters. The semi-finals promise to deliver thrilling football as teams vie for a place in the final, scheduled to take place on 12 April at Newport's Rodney Parade. The FAW's decision to keep the final in Newport despite calls to move it closer to north Wales has been met with mixed reactions.

Key takeaways

Rhyl 1879 stunned Barry Town in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory.
Flint Town United defeated Trearddur Bay 3-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
Caernarfon Town and Bangor 1876 also secured their spots in the final four.
The semi-finals will take place on 6-8 March 2026.
The Welsh Cup final is set for 12 April at Newport County's Rodney Parade.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the JD Welsh Cup semi-finals has been marked by exciting matches and some surprises. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to this stage:

January 2026: The Welsh Cup competition commenced.
February 2026: Quarter-finals held, with notable victories by Rhyl 1879 and Flint Town United.
6-8 March 2026: Semi-finals scheduled to take place.
12 April 2026: Welsh Cup final to be held at Newport County's Rodney Parade.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The draw for the semi-finals has been made, pairing Rhyl 1879 against Caernarfon Town and Flint Town United against Bangor 1876. This draw follows a surprising quarter-final round where both Rhyl and Bangor pulled off notable upsets against higher-tier teams.

What was already established

Prior to this week, the quarter-finals had already established the competitive nature of the tournament, with the FAW maintaining Newport as the final venue despite calls for a more central location for fans in north Wales.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Football matches, particularly cup finals, often draw significant local interest, impacting local businesses as fans travel to attend the matches. The final's location in Newport may influence travel plans and accommodations for fans from north Wales, where the majority of the semi-final teams are based.

Businesses and jobs

The semi-finals and final can stimulate local economies as fans gather to support their teams. Hospitality and retail sectors in Newport are likely to benefit from increased foot traffic during these events.

Policy and regulation

The FAW’s decision to retain the final in Newport is a reflection of the organisation's policies regarding venue selection, which may continue to be a point of discussion among fans and clubs in future competitions.

Numbers that matter

2-1: Rhyl 1879's quarter-final victory against Barry Town.
3-0: Flint Town United's win over Trearddur Bay to reach the semi-finals.
4-1: Caernarfon Town's convincing victory over Colwyn Bay in their quarter-final match.
12 April 2026: Scheduled date for the Welsh Cup final.
6-8 March 2026: Dates for the semi-finals.

Definitions and jargon buster

JD Welsh Cup: A prestigious knockout cup competition in Welsh football.
Cymru Premier: The top tier of Welsh football.
Cymru South: A lower tier in the Welsh football league system.
Phoenix club: A newly formed club that has emerged from the dissolution or financial failure of a previous club.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the semi-finals approach, teams will be focusing on their training and strategies to secure a place in the final. Fans will also be making travel arrangements and planning to support their teams.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post semi-finals, the attention will shift to the final. Teams will need to prepare for the possibility of playing at Newport County’s Rodney Parade, while the FAW may evaluate the success of the current final venue.

Signals to watch

Match attendance figures and fan engagement leading up to the semi-finals.
Performance of teams in the semi-finals, which may indicate future trends in Welsh football.
Discussions regarding venue selection for future finals.

Practical guidance

Do

Book travel and accommodation early for the final if your team advances.
Follow team updates and news to stay informed about match details.
Support local businesses when attending matches.

Don’t

Leave travel arrangements to the last minute, especially for the final.
Disregard team announcements and changes regarding match schedules.
Neglect to check local regulations or safety measures in place during match days.

Checklist

Confirm match dates and times for the semi-finals and final.
Plan your travel and accommodation options.
Stay updated on team news and potential injuries or changes to the squad.
Engage with fan communities on social media for the latest updates.
Remember to support local businesses when attending matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the matches are set, uncertainties remain around team performances and potential injuries leading up to the semi-finals. The FAW's decision to maintain Newport as the final venue may also continue to generate debate among fans, particularly those from north Wales who may feel disadvantaged by the distance.

Bottom line

The upcoming JD Welsh Cup semi-finals promise to deliver excitement and drama as Rhyl 1879, Flint Town United, Caernarfon Town, and Bangor 1876 compete for a coveted spot in the final. Fans should prepare for an exhilarating weekend of football and consider the implications of venue choices for future tournaments.

FAQs

When are the JD Welsh Cup semi-finals scheduled?

The JD Welsh Cup semi-finals are scheduled to take place between 6-8 March 2026.

Where will the Welsh Cup final be held?

The Welsh Cup final will be held at Newport County's Rodney Parade on 12 April 2026.

Which teams are competing in the semi-finals?

The semi-finals feature Rhyl 1879 vs. Caernarfon Town and Flint Town United vs. Bangor 1876.