The format for the inaugural FAI National League season has been confirmed with the league set to kick-off in late August.

The 15 founding clubs will partake in a truncated 2026 season before a fully formatted competition is rolled out in Spring 2027.

This year will see three groups of five play home and away matches. The three group winners advance to the National League Semi-Finals with the fourth spot reserved for the best-placed group runner-up. The winners from the Semi-Finals ties will face off in the National League Final in November.

Confirmation of the groups are outlined below with the fixture schedule to be announced in due course.

FAI National League Group 1

• Bonagee United
• Cockhill Celtic
• Home Farm DCU 
• Lucan United
• Mervue United  

FAI National League Group 2

• Letterkenny Rovers
• Mayo FC
• Salthill Devon
• St. Francis
• TUD 

FAI National League Group 3

• CK United
• Killarney Celtic
• Newbridge Town
• UCC
• Villa FC