---
title: "New map of Ukrainian football: who is fighting for the UPL in the 2026/27 season"
description: "The draw for the Ukrainian First League for the 2026/27 season has taken place. \"Alexandria\", \"Poltava\", and newcomers from the Second League have joined the fight for the UPL. 16 teams will compete for direct tickets to the elite and the right to stay in the division. ⚽🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-03T14:26:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/new-map-of-ukrainian-football-fight-for-upl-2026-27
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# New map of Ukrainian football: who is fighting for the UPL in the 2026/27 season

![Players in yellow jerseys celebrate a goal, symbolizing the fight for the Ukrainian Premier League in the 2026/27 season](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/03/zherebiovka-pervoy-ligi-ukrainy-2026-27-sostav-i-format/zherebiovka-pervoy-ligi-ukrainy-2026-27-sostav-i-format-1.webp)

Ukrainian football is preparing for major changes. The official draw for the First League calendar for the 2026/27 season has taken place. This event confirmed the final roster of participants and determined the schedule for the fight for a spot in the elite. The tournament promises to be one of the most competitive in the history of the division.

### Who made it to the First League?

The roster of participants has undergone significant changes. Two well-known clubs have dropped down from the top division (UPL) to the First League. Last season's runner-up "Alexandria" left the elite, while "Poltava" returned to the division a year after relegation.

Along with them, four teams that advanced from the Second League are joining the fight. Among the newcomers are "Kulikiv-Belka" and the capital's "Lokomotiv". The division will also feature reserve teams of elite clubs: "Kolos-2" (Kovalivka) and "Polissya-2" (Zhytomyr).

### Tournament format and schedule

The 2026/27 season will follow a classic scheme. 16 teams will play a double round-robin, playing one match at home and one away. The base start date for the championship is July 25. The final round is scheduled for June 4, 2027.

### Betting on the season

At stake is not just a tournament position, but the future of the clubs. At the end of the two rounds, the top two teams will receive direct tickets to the UPL. Two more teams will get a chance to upgrade in the play-off matches.

The battle in the lower part of the table will be no less fierce. Teams that finish in 15th and 16th place will be automatically relegated to the Second League. Clubs from 13th to 14th place will be forced to prove their right to remain in the First League in the relegation play-offs.