New All-Ireland senior football format agreed for 2026

However, decision to apply replays to drawn All-Ireland finals deferred

A general view of motion 19 on Sam Maguire & Tailteann Cup during day two of the GAA Congress at The Abbey Hotel in Donegal. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The round-robin structure of the All-Ireland senior football championship will be replaced by an enhanced backdoor system in 2026.

At Congress in Donegal town on Saturday afternoon, almost 93% of delegates voted in favour of the Sam Maguire and Tailteann Cups doing away with the group stages, which will be in operation for a final time this year.