Kerry vs Mayo preview: All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final 2026
Everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, including throw-in time, TV channel, team news and prediction.
The 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship reaches its conclusion on Sunday, July 26, as reigning champions Kerry take on Mayo at Croke Park in one of the biggest fixtures in Gaelic football.
Having come through contrasting semi-final victories, both counties now stand just 70 minutes away from lifting the Sam Maguire Cup. Kerry are looking to retain their crown after overcoming Dublin, while Mayo will hope to end their wait for All-Ireland glory after defeating Louth to book their place in the decider.
More than 80,000 supporters are expected inside Croke Park, in what is expected to be another memorable All-Ireland final.
When is the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final 2026?
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final will be played on Sunday, July 26, at Croke Park in Dublin.
Throw-in is scheduled for 3:30pm GMT.
The match will be played at the iconic 82,300-capacity Croke Park, with Martin McNally (Monaghan) taking charge of his first senior All-Ireland final as referee.
For both counties, months of championship football come down to one afternoon on Gaelic games’ biggest stage.
How Kerry and Mayo reached the final
Kerry arrive in Dublin looking to defend the All-Ireland title after another impressive championship campaign.
Their biggest test came in the semi-finals, where they produced a composed display to eliminate old rivals Dublin and keep their hopes of back-to-back titles alive.
Kerry once again showed a blend of attacking quality and defensive discipline that has made them a forced to be reckoned with in Gaelic football.
Mayo’s route has also been impressive. After a tough path to the final, they booked their place in the championship match by overcoming Louth in the semis.
Their place in the final comes after an enduring campaign built on resilience and consistency, earning another opportunity to compete for Gaelic football’s biggest prize.
Both teams therefore head into the game at Croke Park full of confidence after eliminating high-quality opposition.
Key players to watch
Kerry once again possess one of the strongest squads in the country, with their blend of experience and attacking talent making them slight favourites heading into the final. Their ability to control possession and convert scoring opportunities has been a hallmark of another successful championship campaign.
Mayo, meanwhile, have shown throughout the summer that they are capable of matching any opponent. Their work rate, physicality and defensive organisation have underpinned their run to Croke Park, while their forwards have consistently produced scores when matches have been in the balance.
Whichever side adapts best to the occasion and manages the inevitable pressure is likely to gain a crucial advantage.
How to watch Kerry vs Mayo
Supporters in Ireland can watch the All-Ireland final live on RTÉ, with streaming also available through RTÉ Player.
Viewers in the UK can watch live coverage on BBC Two Northern Ireland, while the match will also be available to stream via BBC iPlayer.
Coverage is expected to begin well before throw-in, with build-up, expert analysis and post-match reaction from Croke Park.
Prediction: Can Kerry retain the Sam Maguire Cup?
Kerry enter the final with the experience of defending champions and have again shown why they remain one of Gaelic football’s benchmark teams.
Their victory over Dublin reinforced their credentials, while their ability to perform under pressure in major occasions could prove decisive once again.
Mayo, however, have earned their place in the final and will believe they can upset the holders after another impressive championship campaign. They have demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament and possess enough quality to trouble Kerry if they can impose their style of play early.
Expect a fiercely contested final in front of a packed Croke Park, with Kerry starting as slight favourites but Mayo more than capable of producing one last championship surprise.
