The 2026 Scottish Cup Final is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in Scottish football history as Celtic face Dunfermline Athletic at the iconic Hampden Park on Saturday, 23 May 2026. The historic showdown marks the 141st edition of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious domestic cup competition.
Celtic enter the final aiming to add another trophy to their remarkable collection after an impressive campaign filled with attacking football and dominant performances. Meanwhile, Dunfermline Athletic are chasing one of the greatest upsets in modern Scottish football as they look to capture only their third Scottish Cup title.
Celtic vs Dunfermline Athletic Kickoff Time
| Match | Celtic vs Dunfermline Athletic |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2025–26 Scottish Cup Final |
| Date | 23 May 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 15:00 BST |
| Venue | Hampden Park, Glasgow |
| Broadcast | BBC Scotland, Premier Sports |
Fans across Scotland and around the world are expected to tune in for what promises to be a thrilling cup final atmosphere in Glasgow.
2026 Scottish Cup Final Result: Celtic Beat Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 at Hampden Park
| Competition | Scottish Cup Final 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | 23 May 2026 |
| Venue | Hampden Park, Glasgow |
| Full-Time Score | Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline Athletic |
Final Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Celtic | 3 |
| Dunfermline Athletic | 1 |
Goal Scorers
Celtic
| Player | Minute |
|---|---|
| Daizen Maeda | 18′ |
| Arne Engels | 35′ |
| Kelechi Iheanacho | 72′ |
Dunfermline Athletic
| Player | Minute |
|---|---|
| Josh Cooper | 79′ |
Match Summary
Celtic lifted the 2026 Scottish Cup trophy after a strong 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The Hoops controlled most of the match and showed their attacking quality throughout the final.
Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical finish to give Celtic an early advantage. Midfielder Arne Engels doubled the lead before halftime in the 35th minute as Celtic dominated possession and created several dangerous chances.
In the second half, Kelechi Iheanacho added a third goal in the 72nd minute to put the result beyond doubt. Dunfermline Athletic managed to pull one back through Josh Cooper in the 79th minute, but Celtic comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure another major domestic trophy.
The victory adds another Scottish Cup title to Celtic’s historic collection and caps off another successful season for the Glasgow giants.
Official Starting Lineups
| Celtic | Position | Dunfermline Athletic | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viljami Sinisalo | Goalkeeper | Aston Oxborough | Goalkeeper |
| Kieran Tierney | Defender | Robbie Fraser | Defender |
| Liam Scales | Defender | Kieran Ngwenya | Defender |
| Auston Trusty | Defender | Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen | Defender |
| Alistair Johnston | Defender | John Tod | Defender |
| Arne Engels | Midfielder | Matty Todd | Midfielder |
| Callum McGregor | Midfielder | Charlie Gilmour | Midfielder |
| Benjamin Nygren | Midfielder | Nurudeen Abdulai | Midfielder |
| James Forrest | Forward | Tashan Oakley-Boothe | Midfielder |
| Daizen Maeda | Forward | Callum Morrison | Forward |
| Hyun-Jun Yang | Forward | Andy Tod | Forward |
Match Preview
Celtic head into the final as overwhelming favorites after another strong domestic season. Their attacking trio has consistently delivered goals throughout the campaign, while their midfield has controlled matches with pace, creativity, and experience.
Manager Brendan Rodgers will expect his side to dominate possession and apply pressure from the opening whistle. Celtic’s experience in major finals could prove decisive, especially in front of a massive crowd at the national stadium.
Dunfermline Athletic, however, have already exceeded expectations by reaching the final. Their journey has included several determined performances against higher-ranked opponents, making them one of the surprise stories of the tournament.
The underdogs will likely focus on defensive organization, counterattacks, and set-piece opportunities. A disciplined performance could frustrate Celtic and create chances for a memorable upset.
Scottish Cup Final Match Rules
The final will follow standard Scottish Cup regulations:
- 90 minutes of normal time
- 30 minutes of extra time if required
- Penalty shootout if scores remain level
- Eight named substitutes
- Maximum of five substitutions during normal time
- Sixth substitute allowed in extra time
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Scottish Cup Final brings together tradition, history, and excitement in one of the biggest matches in Scottish football. Celtic are aiming to continue their domestic dominance, while Dunfermline Athletic dream of lifting the famous trophy against the odds.
With passionate supporters, a packed Hampden Park, and silverware on the line, football fans can expect drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments in Glasgow this weekend.