Kerry chase back-to-back Sam Maguires for the first time since 2006 and 2007, while Mayo go in search of a first title since 1951. The counties last met in a decider in 2006, when Kerry won by 13 points under the same manager, Jack O’Connor.
This is the 31st championship meeting between the sides, with Kerry leading 20-6 and four draws.
Kerry vs Mayo — Match Details
| Date | Sunday 26 July 2026 |
| Throw-in | 3:30 pm BST |
| Venue | Croke Park, Dublin |
| Match winner odds | Kerry 2/5, Draw 15/2, Mayo 11/4 |
| Lower-odds selection | Kerry to win — 2/5 |
| Value tip | Kerry to win by 4 to 6 points — 4/1 |
Kerry — Form & Key Players
Kerry edged Dublin 2-18 to 0-20 in a semi-final settled by two goals and a fair share of good fortune. David Clifford, 27, top-scored with 1-5, netting the rebound after Evan Comerford saved his third-minute penalty, while Seán O’Brien flicked home a second early in the second half. Paudie Clifford was the game’s outstanding figure with five points from play.
The summer has not been flawless. A sixth straight Munster crown, sealed against Cork, was followed by a heavy opening defeat to Donegal in the All-Ireland series. Kerry responded with four straight wins over Kildare, Armagh, Tyrone and now Dublin, and they arrive as defending champions after beating Donegal in last year’s final for a 39th title.
The defensive record is the striking part. Kerry have not conceded a goal in their last three championship games. Captain Paul Geaney missed the semi-final with a calf problem, but Jack O’Connor expects him to be fit for a ninth final in charge.
Mayo — Form & Key Players
Mayo were ruthless against Louth, winning 3-23 to 0-15 after an unanswered 2-7 either side of half-time broke the game open. Louth failed to score between the 28th and 57th minutes.
Ryan O’Donoghue took player of the match with 1-11, leading a full-forward line that combined for 2-17 in total. Substitute Conor Loftus added a third goal.
Their route was less direct. A Connacht exit against Roscommon was followed by wins over Monaghan, Meath, Cork and Louth, with a one-point loss to Tyrone in between.
Andy Moran’s first year in charge has taken Mayo back to a final for the first time since their 2021 defeat to Tyrone, and to an 18th decider overall. Diarmuid O’Connor and Paddy Durcan are back in contention having returned to the matchday panel. Mayo will wear white on Sunday after losing the colour clash coin toss, with Monaghan’s Martin McNally refereeing his first All-Ireland final.
Kerry vs Mayo Prediction
Kerry at 2/5 are our lower-odds selection, offered as editorial opinion rather than any guarantee.
The champions beat Mayo 2-29 to 0-19 in this year’s league; they have kept three consecutive clean sheets, and David Clifford has found the net in six of Kerry’s seven championship games. Mayo’s young forward line is quick and mobile enough to cause real problems, so a comfortable afternoon is far from assured, but the more settled and more experienced side looks the sounder read of a final that could still turn on a couple of scores.
Kerry vs Mayo Betting Tip
Kerry to win by four to six points at 4/1 looks the more interesting angle for anyone tempted to get involved.
Those three clean sheets limit Mayo’s route to a quick comeback, yet Kerry have not been blowing sides away either. Only four points separate them from Dublin in the semi-final. Ryan O’Donoghue, 28, is accurate enough from distance to keep Mayo within touching distance for long spells. A clear but contained Kerry margin is a realistic outcome rather than a likely one, and this remains one view among several on a final that could go either way.
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