The format for the inaugural FAI National League season has been confirmed, with the new competition set to kick off in late August ahead of a full national rollout in Spring 2027.
Fifteen founding clubs will take part in a shortened 2026 campaign designed to establish the framework for what the FAI hopes will become a significant addition to the Irish football pathway.
The competition will begin with three regionalised groups of five teams, with clubs playing each other home and away during the regular season. The three group winners will qualify automatically for the National League semi-finals, alongside the best-performing runner-up across the groups.
The winners of the semi-final ties will then contest the inaugural National League Final in November.
The confirmation of the structure provides further clarity on the next phase of the Football Association of Ireland’s plans to strengthen player development and expand opportunities for clubs outside the League of Ireland structure to compete in a national competition.
The make-up of the three groups also underlines the geographic spread of the founding clubs, with representation from across Ulster, Connacht, Leinster and Munster.
Group 1 will feature Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic, Home Farm DCU, Lucan United and Mervue United.
Group 2 is made up of Letterkenny Rovers, Mayo FC, Salthill Devon, St. Francis and TUD.
Group 3 will consist of CK United, Killarney Celtic, Newbridge Town, UCC and Villa FC.
The full fixture schedule for the opening season is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
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Image Credit: Cricket Ireland and Sportsfile
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