The competition is held simultaneously with the main championship and starts in late July – early August. The tournament format suggests seven rounds. The National Championship of Portugal (the 4^th strongest division out of several groups and 20 district cup winners) representatives compete in the first round. 25 best teams move on to the next round being joined by the Segunda Liga clubs.

Number of participants: 154

In the third round, members of the Championship of Portugal top division come to the fight, being opposed by 46 winners of the previous stage. Rivals play only one match in each round to determine the strongest contestant. The semi-final consists of two (home and away) games, and the final is carried out at a neutral field.

The Taça de Portugal prize fund

In accordance with the Portuguese Football Federation decree, the prize fund for participation in the tournament is calculated as follows:

• The first round: 2000 euro

• The second round: 3000 euro

• The third round: 4000 euro

• The fourth round: 5000 euro

• The fifth round: 7 500 euro

• The sixth round (Last 8) 10 000 euro

• The seventh round (semi-final) 15 000 euro

• The final round: the winner – 300 000 euro, the loser – 150 000 euro

The Taça de Portugal winner qualifies for the Europa League group stage. If the winner takes one of the top five places at the Primeira Liga, the ticket goes to the team ranked 6^th in the Primeira standings. The finalist doesn’t enter the Europa League. The Taça de Portugal winner also meets the top division current champion in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.