Everything you need to know before the 2026/27 season – Key dates, pre-season preparations, Slovnaft Cup details, and Lokomotiva’s plans for the new campaign
The 2026/27 season is approaching, and we are bringing Lokomotiva supporters all the key information ahead of the new campaign.
Lokomotiva already registered for the new season
Applications for the 2026/27 3. Liga East season must be submitted by 14 June 2026, and FC Lokomotiva Košice has already completed its registration.
Following the confirmation of two relegated clubs from the MONACObet 2. Liga, the Slovak Football Association has also confirmed two relegation places from the 3. Liga East. However, after FC Košice B announced it will not enter the competition, the league composition still requires final confirmation.
New season starts on 8 August
The opening round of the 2026/27 season will be played on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
The full fixture list will be announced after all registrations are confirmed and the official draw is completed. Under the current scenario, Lokomotiva would begin the season away to Stropkov.
Pre-season preparations begin on 22 June
The squad will return for summer training on 22 June 2026 at 10:00 at the Lokomotiva Stadium in Čermeľ.
Six friendly matches planned
The pre-season programme will include six friendly matches alongside regular training sessions.
Most matches will be played on Saturdays, with one midweek fixture scheduled for a Wednesday. Opponents will include three clubs from our league, second-division side Humenné, traditional rivals Lučenec, and a Hungarian opponent who will visit Čermeľ this summer.
A complete schedule of pre-season fixtures will be published separately.
Slovnaft Cup dates confirmed
The 2026/27 Slovnaft Cup will be played on the following dates:
Preliminary Round: 25–26 July 2026
First Round: 1–2 August 2026
Second Round: 19 August 2026
Third Round: 2 September 2026
Cup registration completed
Applications for the 2026/27 Slovnaft Cup close on 20 June 2026, and Lokomotiva has already registered.
The club will enter the competition in the First Round and will face an opponent from the eastern Slovakia region. The official draw will be announced after registrations close.
Squad planning underway
The squad for the 2026/27 season will take shape during the summer preparation period.
Player holidays are currently underway, while discussions with current and potential squad members continue under the leadership of General Manager Július Rezeš. Player announcements will be published gradually throughout the summer.
Summer transfer window
The summer registration periods will run as follows:
Professional transfers: 22 June – 16 September 2026
Amateur transfers (without restrictions): 1 July – 31 August 2026
Loan transfers (with club approval): 1 July – 30 September 2026
A special year for Lokomotiva
The upcoming campaign will be the 82nd season in the club’s history.
In 2026, Lokomotiva celebrates its 80th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the club is preparing a special anniversary event and an international youth football tournament.
In cooperation with one of our partners, we also hope to stage selected matches at the Košice Football Arena during the season.
Thank you, Loky supporters
To all our supporters, thank you for your continued backing. Your support means a great deal to everyone at the club.
In the 2026/27 season, we will once again proudly represent the city of Košice and fight for the colours of Lokomotiva.
