The J.League Cup is a professional football tournament in Japan, established in 1992. It features teams from the top two divisions of Japanese football, the J1 League and J2 League. The tournament is held annually and serves as a platform for clubs to compete for silverware outside of the regular league season. The competition format includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final match to determine the champion. The winner of the J.League Cup earns a spot in the AFC Champions League, enhancing their opportunity to compete on an international level.