1st Division (Albania) 2026/27

The Kategoria e Parë is the Albanian First Category, the second tier of the national football league system. It operates below the Kategoria Superiore and above the Kategoria e Dytë. The Albanian Football Association (FSHF) founded the competition in 1930. For nearly seven decades, it served as the second tier until the top flight was renamed the Kategoria Superiore in 1998.

The current season features 12 teams. Participants include Apolonia Fier, Besa Kavajë, Burreli, FK Kukesi, Iliria Fushë-Krujë, and Kastrioti Krujë. The schedule follows a double round-robin format. Each side plays every opponent twice, resulting in a 22-matchday regular season.

Access to the top division relies on a structured pathway. The two highest-finishing teams secure direct promotion to the Kategoria Superiore. Clubs placing third through sixth enter a playoff tournament. The victor of that playoff faces the eighth-placed team from the top flight in a two-legged tie to determine the final promotion spot. Conversely, the bottom two clubs in the standings suffer direct relegation to the Kategoria e Dytë. Those finishing ninth and tenth contest a relegation play-off to decide which side remains in the second tier.

Luftëtari Gjirokastër holds the record for the most titles, with nine championships. Besëlidhja Lezhë and Lushnja have each won six titles. Bylis Ballsh and Apolonia Fier follow with five wins each. Burreli and Skënderbeu Korçë have claimed the competition four times. The most recent completed season was won by Vora. In the 2023–24 campaign, Elbasani emerged as champion.

This competition serves as the primary feeder league for Albanian football. It provides the main route for clubs to reach the highest level through the combination of direct promotion and play-offs. The structure ensures a continuous flow of talent between the divisions.