BulgariaUnderstand the game
How Bulgaria’s First League works
Bulgaria’s 2026–27 First League: 14 clubs, three second-stage groups, retained points and relegation play-offs.
- Teams
- 14
- Opening stage
- 26 rounds
- Schedule
- Home & away
- Finish
- 3 groups
Home & away
02 / Positions at the split determine each group
- Places 1–4
Championship group
4 clubs · 6 more matches each
- Places 5–8
Conference League group
4 clubs · 6 more matches each
- Places 9–14
Relegation group
6 clubs · 5 more matches each
First-stage points carry over. European qualification also depends on play-offs, the cup and licensing rules.
Based on the competition sources listed below. Read the source documents ↓
What is the regular-season format?
The BFU’s 2026–27 regulations specify 14 clubs. They meet home and away in the first phase, producing 26 rounds. The table then separates into three groups, rather than continuing as a single uninterrupted competition.
How does the second stage work?
Positions one to four form the championship group, while fifth to eighth form the Conference League group. Both groups play home and away, adding six games per club. Positions nine to fourteen form the six-team relegation group and meet once, adding five games. All groups retain their first-stage points.
Who faces relegation?
The final fourteenth-placed team is relegated directly. Twelfth faces the third-placed second-tier side in a play-off, while thirteenth faces the second-tier runner-up. The regulations specify one-match ties hosted by the First League teams. These are final positions after the second stage.
What does the Conference League group decide?
Its winner normally enters a one-match European-place play-off against the relevant championship-group side. The BFU sets out exceptions involving the cup winner and licensing. This guide does not assign a European ticket from today’s table. Use the match centre for current recorded results, fixtures and standings, with the collection timestamp shown.