The format for the new FAI National League has been confirmed, with the competition beginning in August of this year.
The inaugural edition will be run on a truncated basis.
Fifteen clubs will take part in three groups of five, with teams playing each other both home and away. The three winners of the groups will advance to the semi-finals, with the last place going to the best performing runner-up.
From spring of next year, the competition will be fully formatted, with the chance for promotion into the First Division for the 2028 season.
Fixtures for the 2026 season will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
FAI National League Group 1
Bonagee United (Donegal)
Cockhill Celtic (Donegal)
Home Farm DCU (Dublin)
Lucan United (Dublin)
Mervue United (Galway)
FAI National League Group 2
Letterkenny Rovers (Donegal)
Mayo FC (Mayo)
Salthill Devon (Galway)
St. Francis (Dublin)
TUD (Dublin)
FAI National League Group 3
CK United (Carlow/Kilkenny)
Killarney Celtic (Kerry)
Newbridge Town (Kildare)
UCC (Cork)
Villa FC (Waterford)
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