The J.League YBC Levain Cup is set to begin the Prime Round with a quartet of two-legged quarter-finals as the historic tournament moves closer to the Japan National Stadium and silverware.

This is the first J.League Cup that invited every team from Japan’s top three leagues, making it a J.League competition unlike ever before. But now just eight are left to fight for the crown in the Prime Round, which will be broadcast live on JLeague.co and networks around the world.

Ventforet Kofu, who are familiar with miracle cup runs after winning the 2022 Emperor’s Cup, are the last team from outside J1 remaining in the tournament. The J2 side will take on Kawasaki Frontale, who won their first J.League YBC Levain Cup in 2019 after losing in the final four times previously.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima will meet Nagoya Grampus in the only quarter-final tie that pits two former cup winners against each other.

FC Machida Zelvia’s quest for their first-ever major trophy will see them play Albirex Niigata, while Yokohama F·Marinos will square off against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo.

The first legs of the quarter-finals will take place on September 4, with the return matches set for September 8 as we move closer to the final in November, when one team will reign supreme at the Japan National Stadium.