First League (North Macedonia) 2026/27

The Macedonian Third Football League functions as the third tier of the national football system, sitting below the First and Second Leagues. Organised by the Football Federation of North Macedonia (FFM), the competition was established in 1992 following the country’s independence from Yugoslavia. Its structure relies on regional divisions rather than a single unified table. For the 2026–27 season, the league is divided into six divisions: North, Northeast, South, East, West, and Southwest. Team numbers within each group vary, typically ranging from six to fourteen clubs.

Promotion to the Second League operates through a mixed mechanism. In the upcoming season, winners of the North, West, and Southwest divisions must compete in a play-off for a promotion spot. Conversely, winners from the other divisions secure direct ascent. Relegation sees the bottom-placed teams in each group drop to the respective Municipal Leagues. This regional setup ensures that local rivalries remain central to the competition’s identity. While some reports previously referenced different group names such as Center and Southeast, the current six-division model is standard.

The league serves as a vital feeder for the higher tiers. Unlike the top two divisions, there is no single overall champion declared at the end of the campaign. Instead, each regional group crowns its own winner. Historically, clubs like Osogovo in the East and Kozhuf in the South have featured among the frequent victors. The competition provides a pathway for smaller clubs to progress toward professional status. It also allows teams relegated from the Second League to reintegrate into the pyramid. The format has evolved significantly since its inception, shifting between five and six groups over recent decades. Clubs such as Shkëndija Tetovo and Sileks currently compete in higher divisions, highlighting the league’s role as a developmental stage. The structure accommodates geographical variations, ensuring fair competition across the nation.