Draw for Round 1 of the All-Ireland SFC to be broadcast live on Monday
The Sam Maguire Cup pictured at Croke Park in Dublin ahead of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final between Kerry and Donegal. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile.
The draw for Round 1 of the 2026 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship will take place on Monday, May 4th and will be broadcast live as part of The View on GAA+, beginning at 1.00 pm.
Viewers can watch the draw live and free on the GAA+ YouTube channel, as well as across the GAA’s official social media platforms. (https://www.youtube.com/@gaaplusofficial1)
The draw will be conducted by Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns and Brian Carroll, Chairperson of the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC).
The Round 1 draw will feature the eight provincial finalists, who will be drawn against the eight highest‑ranked teams at the conclusion of the National Football League.
Exception: Kildare, as 2025 Tailteann Cup winners, will be included in the draw should they fail to reach the Leinster Provincial Final, in which case they will replace the lowest‑ranked League team.
Teams taking part in the draw will be confirmed following the weekend's results.
The draw will be an open draw, with a total of eight Round 1 ties. The provincial finalists will enjoy home advantage in their respective fixtures.
Match Dates
Munster and Connacht provincial finalists will play their Round 1 games on May 23–24.
Ulster and Leinster provincial finalists will play their Round 1 games on May 30–31.
You can view and download an explainer document about the new format of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship below.
