First League (Montenegro) 2026/27

The Montenegrin First League stands as the premier football competition in Montenegro, operating under the governance of the Football Association of Montenegro. Established in 2006 following the nation's independence, the league distinguishes itself through a compact structure that contrasts with regional neighbours. Unlike the Serbian SuperLiga, which utilises mid-season split playoffs, the Montenegrin top flight employs a triple round-robin format. This arrangement sees ten clubs contest 36 matches each, creating a season defined by high volatility rather than extended stability.

The competitive stakes are substantial for the participants. Victory secures entry into the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, while second through fourth positions join the Cup winner in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The threat of departure looms over the lower half of the table; the tenth-placed side faces automatic relegation to the Second League. Meanwhile, eighth and ninth-place finishers engage in play-offs against teams from the second tier, adding pressure to every fixture. This direct pathway for the bottom team and the playoff system for the middle tier separate it from other Balkan competitions.

Budućnost Podgorica holds the record as the most successful club, having claimed seven titles since the league's inception. Sutjeska Nikšić follows with six championships, highlighting a concentration of success among a few historic entities. The competition retains a geographic focus, with most clubs located in the southern regions of the country. Historical controversies have also shaped its narrative, including point deductions and disputed outcomes in earlier seasons. The current season features clubs such as Arsenal Tivat, Bokelj, and Dečić, continuing the tradition of a tightly knit football society.