The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been considering alternatives for the Copa del Rey Mapfre final after Real Betis were eliminated, leaving 18 April as a possible date to stage the showpiece at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Had Betis remained in the competition while still involved in European matches, a Saturday final would have been unworkable because Betis would play the preceding Thursday in Europe, leaving less than 48 hours between fixtures. In that scenario RFEF would have to move quickly to prepare the stadium once UEFA released it.
A new complication now affects kick‑off timing: UEFA has scheduled a Spain vs Ukraine women's match on the same day, the fourth qualifying round for the 2027 World Cup. RFEF is clear that the schedule of the current world champions must not clash with the cup final, so the Spanish national team would play before the Copa del Rey final if both matches fall on the same date.
Initially, a prime‑time slot — around 21:30 or 22:00 — was under consideration for the final. However, Rafael Louzán, speaking in Brussels where he is attending UEFA's Executive Committee, has confirmed an alternative: holding the final on Sunday in the early evening at about 16:00 or 17:00. That option would also make it easier for fans to return to their home destinations from Seville after the match, even if the game went to extra time or penalties.
It is also worth noting that Barcelona are the current Copa del Rey holders.
