Quarter-Final Pairings Confirmed
The draw for the 2026 FAI Cup quarter-finals took place on Tuesday, August 18, setting up a series of high-stakes encounters across the country. The standout fixture of the round is undoubtedly the Dublin derby between St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians at Richmond Park. This match represents a repeat of the 2021 and 2023 finals, both of which were won by St Patrick’s Athletic at the Aviva Stadium.
Other quarter-final ties include Waterford hosting Sligo Rovers at the RSC, Drogheda United welcoming Galway United, and Derry City facing Dundalk at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. These matches are scheduled for the week ending September 6, 2026. The FAI has confirmed that two of these fixtures will be broadcast live on RTÉ, while the remaining two will be streamed on LOI TV. Specific kick-off dates and times are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Derry City’s Ambition
Derry City, fresh off a hard-fought victory against UCD in the third round, are looking to leverage their home advantage against Dundalk. Striker Tyler Smith, who scored the decisive goal in the 64th minute against the Students, expressed optimism about the club’s chances. “We’re going to give it our all to get there,” Smith said, referencing the ultimate goal of reaching the final at the Aviva Stadium. Derry remains one of the competition’s most successful sides, having won the trophy six times in their history.
Stakes and Tournament Path
The path to the November 8 final is now clear for the eight remaining clubs. The draw ensures that at least one club from outside Dublin will reach the final, given the geographic distribution of the pairings. For clubs like Waterford and Sligo Rovers, the tie provides a crucial opportunity to advance in a season where domestic cup success remains a primary objective. As teams prepare for these fixtures, the focus remains on navigating the final stretch of the competition, with the pressure mounting for a spot in the season-ending showpiece.