Cork will begin their All-Ireland Senior Football Championship campaign later this month following Monday’s draw at Croke Park, which has paired them with old rivals Meath in Round 1.

This will be the sides’ third meeting of the season, following earlier encounters in Páirc Uí Rinn and Croke Park during Division 2 of the Allianz Football League.

As Munster finalists, Cork have been awarded home advantage for the fixture, in line with all provincial finalists.

The game is scheduled to take place on the weekend of May 23rd/24th, with further fixture details to be confirmed in due course.

2026 Championship Structure:

The 2026 format features 16 teams — the eight provincial finalists, seven top-ranked league teams, and the Tailteann Cup winners — competing in an updated knockout system where two defeats result in elimination.

Round 1 (May 23rd/24th & 30th/31st):
The eight provincial finalists are drawn against the remaining qualifiers, with home advantage awarded to the provincial teams. Winners advance to Round 2A, while defeated sides move to Round 2B.

Round 2A & 2B (June 13th/14th):
Round 2A sees the Round 1 winners face off, with victors progressing directly to the All-Ireland quarter-finals and losers dropping to Round 3.
Round 2B features the Round 1 losers, where winners advance to Round 3 and losers exit the championship.

Round 3 (June 20th/21st):
The four Round 2A losers play the four Round 2B winners, with the victors booking their place in the quarter-finals.

Quarter-Finals (June 27th/28th):
The four Round 2A winners meet the four Round 3 winners.

Semi-Finals & Final (July):
The semi-finals will determine the finalists, with the All-Ireland Final scheduled for July 26th.

Full Round 1 Draw (first team at home):

May 23rd/24th:
Cork v Meath
Kerry v Donegal
Galway v Kildare
Roscommon v Tyrone

May 30th/31st:
Armagh v Derry
Monaghan v Mayo
Dublin v Louth