CyAmethyst >> שבת דצמבר 21 - 06:12

How does the seeding for the National Cup really work?

I just advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Icelandic National Cup and I was expecting to take on the team who won their fixture right above mine.

Instead, I got sent to a completely different opponent who's bracket makes less sense. If anyone can explain this to me, I'd appreciate it.

Losing >> שבת דצמבר 21 - 06:56

It's random except for who plays home or away if one team plays in a higher league than the other. You can only be sure of your opponent in the final. 

Numpty >> שבת דצמבר 21 - 11:00

Exactly as @Losing says.

In addition there is a "seeding" which is based on league position. Teams from higher levels enter in later rounds, which probably doesn't make much difference in your country but does in countries with many teams. 

In England, for example, R1 is a preliminary round and most teams enter in R2, 32 teams enter in R3, 16 teams in R4, 8 teams in R5 and 4 teams in R6, where Round 6 is the round of 32  

Thus with a good draw it's possible for a lower league team to get as many cup matches as the eventual winner.