The 105th edition of the Republic of Ireland's national cup competition is well underway, with what started as 44 teams on the 10th of May now approaching the second round.
The winner of the 2026 FAI Cup will qualify for the first qualifying round of the 2027–28 UEFA Europa League .
Last year's FAI Cup Final saw Shamrock Rovers run out 2-0 winners over Cork City.
FAI Cup Schedule
FAI Cup 2026 Schedule
1st Round: 10th-23rd May 2nd Round: 17th-19th July 3rd Round: 14th-16th August Quarter-Finals: 25th-27th September Semi-Finals: 11th-13th October FINAL: Saturday 8th November
Outright Odds
FAI Cup 2026 Outright Odds
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Shamrock Rovers | 11/4 | 26.7% |
Bohemians | 9/2 | 18.2% |
St Patrick’s Athletic | 9/2 | 18.2% |
Shelbourne | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Derry City | 9/1 | 10% |
Dundalk | 9/1 | 6.7% |
Drogheda | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Bar | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Favourites
FAI Cup 2026 Favourites
Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers – 11/4
Shamrock Rovers head the outright market at 11/4, a 26.7% chance, as Stephen Bradley's side chase a second successive league and cup double. Victory would be a 27th FAI Cup , extending their own record as the competition's most successful club.
At the time of writing, Rovers lead the Premier Division with fifty points from their opening twenty-five fixtures, putting them seven clear of Bohemians and nine ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic, though the latter hold two games in hand. They certainly have the strongest squad on paper on the island, though we’ve arguably not seen the performances they’re capable of just yet, that may end up being a blessing in disguise or catching up with them come the business end of the season.
The Second Round tie is a repeat of last November's final, with Cork City making the trip to Tallaght Stadium on Friday, 17th July. Cork City have since dropped into the First Division but arguably will enter this fixture higher in confidence with them currently streets ahead in the First Division and will look to exploit a the favourites who will have their second leg against Floriana of Malta also at Tallaght just days earlier.
Before the 2025 season, they arguably underperformed in the FAI Cup, and I don’t see them as a sure-fire bet for the 2026 event.
Bohemians
Bohemians – 9/2
Bohemians share second favouritism at 9/2, an 18.2% chance, as Alan Reynolds' side chase an eighth FAI Cup and a first since 2008.
Bohemians led the Premier Division for a spell earlier in the season, and their tally of forty three points from their opening twenty-five fixtures has them in second place, seven back of league leaders Shamrock Rovers and two ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic, though they hold two games in-hand.
For the second round, they were initially drawn away to Munster Senior League side Ringmahon Rangers, a tie which they’d have been expected to win comfortably. However, the tie has come under controversy with them now receiving a “bye” into the third round after the Cork -based side said they were unable to fulfil the fixture due to scheduling conflicts and now they’ve received a hefty fine and ban from the FAI .
They have enough quality footballers to give this competition a right rattle, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them reach the FAI Cup Final at a minimum.
St Patrick’s Athletic
St Patrick’s Athletic – 9/2
St Patrick's Athletic are the other name at 9/2, an 18.2% chance, as Stephen Kenny , one of the most decorated managers in League of Ireland history, targets a sixth FAI Cup for the Saints .
Kenny's side have pushed Shamrock Rovers the hardest of anyone this season and currently sits second in the Premier Division , built on some of the division's most eye-catching attacking form. If they can win their games in-hand and profit off their lack of European commitments, they’re genuine title contenders.
They are drawn at home to First Division side Wexford for the Second Round at Richmond Park , a tie they will start as strong favourites to win. But will need to guard against the complacency toward the 2024 semi-finalists, who have plenty of quality in their ranks.
Winners in 2021 and in 2023 can never be ruled out of this competition, but I think this time around, the league may become the priority.
Shelbourne
Shelbourne – 8/1
Shelbourne are fourth favourites at 8/1, an 11.1% chance, but arrive at the Second Round in turmoil, having sacked head coach Joey O'Brien on 25th June, with Under-20s boss Lorcan Fitzgerald placed in interim charge.
The Reds currently sit fifth in the Premier Division , well off the pace set by Shamrock Rovers , picking up just one win in the five league games before O'Brien's exit. However, they’ve been linked with Linfield manager David Healy, and he certainly knows how to win football matches as well as trophies.
Their reward in the draw is a trip to First Division side and 2025 semi-finalists Kerry FC, one which they will be expected to win, though they will want to avoid what happened to Sligo Rovers last season. They have more than enough quality to win the competition, but I think the club is going through too much transition right now.
Derry City
Derry City - 9/1
Derry City share fifth favouritism at 9/1, a 10% chance, and the 2022 winners can’t be ruled out of a seventh FAI Cup with players like Michael Duffy in their ranks.
Expectations were high for Tiernan Lynch and Derry City in 2026, following a high-profile off-season of recruitment which saw many predicting them as potential league winners. As of now, it hasn’t quite happened for them, and they’re closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table.
Before hosting Leinster Senior League side Tolka Rovers in the Second Round, Derry face a stern continental test of their own, away to CSKA Sofia in the first round of Europa League qualifying, adding a further fixture to an already congested July. While their form in 2026 leaves a lot to be desired, I can foresee a cup run again as they’ve plenty of quality in their ranks.
Dundalk
Dundalk
Dundalk complete the recognised group of contenders at 9/1, as Ciarán Kilduff's promoted side aim for a 13th FAI Cup in their first season back in the top flight.
Dundalk's return to the Premier Division has been smoother than many predicted, one heavy defeat aside, and they have already taken points off both Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians this season. They also still harbour hopes of qualifying for Europe in 2027.
The Second-Round pairs them with Leinster Senior League side St Mochta's , though the two clubs have agreed to switch venues, meaning the tie will actually be played at Dundalk's own Oriel Park . Ciarán Kilduff knows how to win a Cup, but as a player and as a manager, and I wouldn’t rule out them reaching the final in 2026 either.
Best of the Rest
Others
Elsewhere, 2024 Champions Drogheda can be gotten at 16/1 after being drawn at home to Lucan United.
Galway United are priced at 20/1, Waterford are 25/1, Sligo Rovers , Finn Harps and UCD are 33/1 with a bar currently of 50/1 beyond those.
Prices are subject to fluctuation
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Bill is as passionate about Irish football as they come, with an agonising longing to see his country grace a World Cup stage. A League of Ireland devotee and lifelong Man United fan, he knows better than most what sporting heartbreak feels like, and brings that perspective to the BOYLE Sports Blog. With roots in greyhound racing and a curiosity spanning politics, snooker, WWE and beyond, there is rarely a sporting conversation he cannot add to.
