Dundalk enter the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division season after being promoted as champions from the First Division the previous year. Ciarán Kilduff is the club's first-team manager going into the new term, his second season in charge.
2026 is Dundalk's 100th season in the League of Ireland.
At the end of the previous season, US-based businessman Chris Clinton acquired John Temple's shareholding to become the club's majority shareholder.
Vinnie Leonard was bought by Norwich City in February for a reported â¬400,000 up front and "significant add-ons", which would be the club's record transfer fee received. He remained with the club until the UK transfer window opened in the summer.
Pre-season coincided with the Leinster Senior Cup Round 4 Group Stage. Dundalk were the holders and topped the group with two wins from three.
The League season began on 6 February 2026. However, Dundalk's opening match (a visit to defending League Champions Shamrock Rovers) was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, meaning they started the season with an away match to Derry City the following week instead.
Sources: Note: Substitute appearances in brackets