The Isthmian League has released a number of important dates ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, including the start and conclusion of the league season, play-off schedule and cup final dates.
The new League season is set to get underway on Saturday 8th August 2026, with the regular campaign concluding on Saturday 17th April 2027.
With another exciting season on the horizon, supporters can now make a note of several key dates across the domestic calendar.
2026/27 Isthmian League Key Dates
League season begins: Saturday 8th August 2026
League season ends: Saturday 17th April 2027
Cup Finals
Women’s Cup Final: Wednesday 31st March 2027 @ Three Bridges FC
League Cup Final: Wednesday 7th April 2027 @ Aveley FC
Youth Cup Final: Monday 12th April 2027 @ South Park (Reigate) FC
Play-Off Schedule
The Isthmian League play-offs will feature an expanded format for the 2026/27 season, increasing the number of participating clubs from four to six.
Previously, teams finishing between 2nd and 5th place qualified for the play-offs, with 2nd hosting 5th and 3rd hosting 4th at the semi-final stage.
Under the new format, the play-off places will now extend from 2nd through to 7th, introducing an additional round of eliminator matches before the semi-finals.
Eliminator Matches
Tuesday 20th April 2027 – South Central and South East Divisions
Wednesday 21st April 2027 – North and Premier Divisions
The fixtures will see:
4th place v 7th place
5th place v 6th place
Semi-Final Matches
Saturday 24th April 2027 – South Central and South East Divisions
Sunday 25th April 2027 – North and Premier Divisions
The semi-final line-up will be:
2nd place v winners of 5th place v 6th place
3rd place v winners of 4th place v 7th place
Play-Off Finals
Friday 30th April 2027 – South Central Division
Saturday 1st May 2027 – South East Division
Sunday 2nd May 2027 – North Division
Monday 3rd May 2027 – Premier Division
Emirates FA Cup Round Dates
The schedule for the 2026/27 Emirates FA Cup has also been confirmed:
Extra Preliminary Round: Saturday 8th August 2026
Preliminary Round: Saturday 22nd August 2026
First Round Qualifying: Saturday 5th September 2026
Second Round Qualifying: Saturday 19th September 2026
Third Round Qualifying: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Fourth Round Qualifying: Saturday 17th October 2026
First Round Proper: Saturday 7th November 2026
Second Round Proper: Saturday 5th December 2026
Third Round Proper: Saturday 9th January 2027
Fourth Round Proper: Saturday 13th February 2027
Fifth Round Proper: Saturday 6th March 2027
Quarter-Final: Saturday 3rd April 2027
Semi-Final: Saturday 24th April 2027
Final: Saturday 22nd May 2027
Isuzu FA Trophy Round Dates
The key dates for the 2026/27 FA Trophy campaign are:
Preliminary Round: Saturday 15th August 2026
First Round Qualifying: Saturday 29th August 2026
Second Round Qualifying: Saturday 12th September 2026
Third Round Qualifying: Saturday 26th September 2026
First Round Proper: Saturday 24th October 2026
Second Round Proper: Saturday 14th November 2026
Third Round Proper: Saturday 12th December 2026
Fourth Round Proper: Saturday 16th January 2027
Fifth Round Proper: Saturday 6th February 2027
Sixth Round Proper: Saturday 6th March 2027
Semi-Final: Saturday 3rd April 2027
Final: Sunday 16th May 2027
With the countdown to the new campaign continuing, Blues supporters can now begin marking the key dates in their diaries ahead of what promises to be another exciting season at The Arena.
Further details, including the Blues’ full 2026/27 Isthmian League Premier Division fixture schedule, will be shared once confirmed.
