All-Ireland SFC semi-finals 2026: Louth vs Mayo and Dublin vs Kerry preview

The race for the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title is down to four teams, with a blockbuster weekend awaiting at Croke Park.

Saturday sees Louth continue their remarkable campaign against Mayo, before attention turns to Sunday’s heavyweight clash as Dublin and Kerry meet once again with a place in the All-Ireland final on the line.

From one of the competition’s biggest surprise stories to Gaelic football’s greatest modern rivalry, the semi-finals promise two very different contests – and two huge crowds both inside Croke Park and watching live on television.

All-Ireland SFC semi-finals 2026 fixtures

TV coverage: BBC iPlayer, BBC Two NI and RTÉ will broadcast both semi-finals live.

Both games take place at Croke Park, with BBC coverage beginning shortly before throw-in across BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer.

Louth vs Mayo preview

Few predicted Louth would still be standing at the semi-final stage, yet the Wee County have earned their place among the final four with a series of composed and resilient displays.

Their dramatic victory over Monaghan in the quarter-finals secured Louth’s first appearance in an All-Ireland football semi-final since 1957 and sparked unforgettable celebrations back home. Now comes their biggest challenge yet.

Gavin Devlin‘s side has built its success on defensive organisation, relentless work-rate and an ability to stay calm when matches are hanging in the balance. Captain Sam Mulroy has once again led from the front, combining leadership with crucial scores throughout the championship.

Louth will, however, have to cope without Sean Callaghan, who serves a suspension following his red card in the quarter-final. His absence leaves Devlin with an important decision ahead of Saturday evening’s showdown.

Mayo arrive in Dublin carrying a different expectation. Having spent much of the last decade chasing another All-Ireland title, they have once again positioned themselves within touching distance of the final.

The management pairing of Andy Moran and Paddy Tally has guided Mayo through some difficult moments this season, and an impressive quarter-final display underlined why they remain one of the strongest contenders left in the competition.

With proven performers across the field, including the ever-dangerous Ryan O’Donoghue, Mayo know this represents another major opportunity to return to the biggest day in Gaelic football.

Who is favourite: Louth or Mayo?

The bookmakers have Mayo as favourites to book their place in the final, reflecting their experience at this stage of the championship and the depth available throughout their squad.

Louth, though, have spent the summer proving doubters wrong. Playing with confidence and backed by enormous support, they will believe another upset is well within reach.

Dublin vs Kerry preview

It is the fixture every Gaelic football fan looks for, and Sunday’s meeting between Dublin and Kerry rarely disappoints.

These counties have shaped the modern championship era, producing unforgettable contests over the years, and another high-quality encounter is expected with a place in the All-Ireland final at stake.

Dublin have responded impressively after a period of transition, once again looking like genuine title contenders. Their ability to dominate possession, manage the tempo of games and find scores from all areas of the pitch makes them a formidable opponent.

Kerry, meanwhile, continue to justify their status as one of the championship favourites. Much of their attacking threat revolves around David Clifford, whose finishing ability can transform a contest in a matter of moments, but the Kingdom also possess quality throughout their forward line.

The tactical battle promises to be just as intriguing as the individual match-ups. Dublin will aim to control kick-outs and deny Kerry opportunities to counter at pace, while Kerry will look to exploit space quickly whenever possession turns over.

Who is favourite: Dublin or Kerry?

Most betting markets give Kerry a narrow advantage, although there is little separating the two sides heading into Sunday’s semi-final.

Kerry’s attacking strength has earned them favouritism, but Dublin’s championship pedigree and ability to perform under pressure ensure they remain a dangerous proposition.

With so much recent history between the counties, another closely fought contest looks the most likely outcome.

Who are the favourites to reach the All-Ireland final?

• Kerry remain the leading favourites thanks to their attacking quality and consistently impressive performances throughout the championship.
• Dublin have the experience and winning mentality to beat any team on their day, particularly at Croke Park.
• Mayo have gathered momentum at exactly the right time and will feel another final appearance is within their grasp.
• Louth continue to embrace the underdog tag and have already produced one of the championship’s standout stories.

Whichever side comes through Dublin versus Kerry is likely to begin the final as favourites, but neither Mayo nor Louth will pay much attention to the bookmakers this weekend.

How to watch the All-Ireland SFC semi-finals

Supporters can watch both matches live on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer, while RTÉ will also provide live television coverage.

• Louth vs Mayo: Saturday, July 11, coverage from around 5:40pm, throw-in at 6:00pm.
• Dublin vs Kerry: Sunday, July 12, coverage from around 3:35pm, throw-in at 4:00pm.

Prediction

Louth’s fairytale run has been one of the highlights of this year’s championship, but Mayo’s experience in high-pressure knockout matches could give them the edge when it matters most.

The second semi-final is considerably tougher to predict. Kerry possess the scoring power to beat anyone, yet Dublin have repeatedly shown they can rise to the occasion in championship football.

A Mayo vs Kerry final may be the outcome many expect, but with Dublin’s proven pedigree and Louth continuing to defy expectations, there is every reason to believe another memorable weekend awaits at Croke Park.

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