The League of Ireland has confirmed the full schedule of key dates for the 2026 domestic football season, covering the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, as well as the Sports Direct FAI Cup competitions and the President’s Cup fixtures.
The new campaign will kick off with the Men’s President’s Cup on Saturday, January 31, as Shamrock Rovers host Derry City at Tallaght Stadium (17:00). The Women’s President’s Cup follows on Sunday, March 8, with Athlone Town welcoming Shelbourne to Athlone Town Stadium (14:00).
The SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division will begin on Friday, February 6, 2026, running through to Friday, October 30, while the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division will start slightly later on Saturday, March 14, concluding on Saturday, October 24.
In the Men’s First Division, the 2026 season will get underway on Friday, February 13 and run until Friday, October 16, before the promotion play-offs take centre stage. The play-off semi-finals will take place on Saturday, October 24 and Tuesday, October 27, with the final set for Sunday, November 1. The Premier Division Promotion/Relegation Play-off is scheduled for the week ending Sunday, November 8.
The showpiece Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Final will once again take place at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 8, while the Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup Final returns to Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, September 27.
Also confirmed is the date for the Women’s All-Island Cup Final, which will be held during the week ending Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Fixtures for the new season will be released on Tuesday, December 16th.
Image Credits: SSE Airtricity League of Ireland
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