UPDATED: The 2026 race for Sam Maguire

By Shaun Ca

There are now just eight teams left in the race for Sam Maguire and the last eight pairings are now known following this morning’s All-Ireland quarter-final draw. All four games will take place next weekend at Croke Park.

Tyrone will meet All-Ireland champions Kerry, in a repeat of last season’s semi-final, with a place in the final four up for grabs.

Malachy O’Rourke’s men qualified for the quarter-finals after two one-point victories over Connacht sides Roscommon and Mayo. The Kingdom were impressive winners last weekend, demolishing Armagh at Killarney.

Monaghan take on Gavin Devlin’s Louth, with a massive chance of reaching a semi-final there for both sides. Monaghan edged the Wee County, who beat Armagh the last day out, in the group stages of the All-Ireland series last year.

REPORT: Second half blitz earns Monaghan quarter-final berth

The Farney men lost out to Armagh in the Ulster final, and to Mayo in the opening round of the All-Ireland series, but have bounced back with comfortable wins over Connacht champions Roscommon and Leinster winners Westmeath.

The tie of the round is arguably Galway against Dublin, with the Dubs heading in off the back of their eye-catching extra time win over Donegal. The final game sees Cork, who also beat Donegal, taking on Mayo.

Quarter-finals – June 27/28

Galway v Dublin

Cork v Mayo

Tyrone v Kerry

Louth v Monaghan

All-Ireland semi-finals – July 11/12
Based on a draw, subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings from the championship, where possible.

Final – Sunday, July 26 (Replay – August 8)