League III Season 2026 — Group C delivered another action-packed round, with 13 matches producing 35 goals in Round 3. Several promotion contenders strengthened their positions, while the middle of the table remains tightly packed.
With 50 rounds in the season, there is still a long road ahead. The prize at the top is automatic promotion to League II, while teams finishing 2nd through 9th will enter the promotion playoffs.
Alajuelense Stay on Top
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense remain the team at the summit after a 2–1 victory over FC Sagué Québec.
Alajuelense are currently 1st, putting them in the automatic promotion position. Québec, meanwhile, sit 9th, meaning they remain inside the playoff places despite the defeat.
For Alajuelense, maintaining first place this early in the season gives them an excellent platform to chase the ultimate prize: direct promotion.
Tecos Produce a Statement Victory
One of the biggest results of the round came in Belgrade, where Tecos F.C. defeated Red Star Belgrade 3–2.
The victory is particularly impressive given Red Star's position at 5th, while Tecos occupy 3rd. Tecos therefore strengthen their grip on a playoff position and remain one of the early contenders for promotion.
Red Star's defeat drops them behind the leading pack, but 5th place still keeps them comfortably inside the playoff zone.
Partizan Continue Their Challenge
FK Partizan defeated C.D. Numancia 2–1 in another important result near the top of the table.
Partizan are currently 2nd, meaning they hold the first playoff position immediately behind Alajuelense. A strong run of results could put them in position to challenge for the automatic promotion spot.
Numancia sit 14th, outside the current qualification places.
HFX Wanderers Hold Fourth
HFX Wanderers were held to a 2–2 draw by FC Arsenal Kyiv, but the point keeps them in 4th place.
HFX remain firmly in the promotion playoff picture. Arsenal Kyiv, meanwhile, occupy 8th, meaning both clubs currently sit inside the top nine.
That makes this draw a valuable result for Arsenal, who avoided defeat against one of the division's leading sides.
Górnik Move Into the Playoff Zone
Górnik Zabrze defeated Wanderers Grounds 2–1, moving into 11th place.
Although Górnik are just outside the playoff positions, they are within striking distance of the top nine. Wanderers Grounds are currently 18th, leaving them with plenty of work to do if they want to enter the qualification race.
Shamrock Rovers Win a Thriller
Shamrock Rovers F.C. earned an entertaining 3–2 victory over C.D. Barrio México.
Shamrock are now 13th, just outside the King's Cup positions, while Barrio México sit 7th and remain inside the promotion playoff places.
The result could prove costly for Barrio México as the playoff race begins to tighten.
Bukovyna and Drogheda Pick Up Valuable Wins
FSC Bukovyna Chernivtsi defeated Ensenada F.C. 2–1, with Bukovyna sitting 21st and Ensenada 15th.
Meanwhile, Drogheda United F.C. earned a 2–1 victory over Olympique de Marseille. Drogheda are currently 24th, while Marseille occupy 22nd.
Neither winner has entered the qualification picture yet, but both have taken important steps toward climbing the table.
Other Round 3 Results
The remaining matches also produced plenty of movement:
- TSG 1899 Hoffenheim lost 3–2 to KS Cracovia, leaving Hoffenheim 6th and Cracovia 20th.
- Eintracht Frankfurt fell 4–2 to Lech Poznań. Frankfurt are 23rd, while Lech sit 21st.
- FC Kramatorsk lost 3–2 to Tuzos UAZ, with Kramatorsk 19th and Tuzos 25th.
- Bohemians Praha 1905 and Olympique Lyonnais drew 2–2. Bohemians are 17th, while Lyon are 12th.
- FK Vojvodina and Braga also shared the points in a 2–2 draw, with Vojvodina 10th and Braga 26th.
Group C Qualification Picture
After three rounds, the key positions are:
- 🥇 1st — Liga Deportiva Alajuelense: Automatic promotion to League II
- 🏆 2nd–9th: Promotion playoffs
- 🤝 10th — FK Vojvodina: Friendly Cup
- 👑 11th–12th: King's Cup
- 🚫 13th–26th: Currently outside qualification
- No relegation: Bottom positions have no relegation consequences
The current playoff field consists of FK Partizan, Tecos F.C., HFX Wanderers, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Red Star Belgrade, C.D. Barrio México, FC Arsenal Kyiv and FC Sagué Québec.
Alajuelense Set the Early Pace
After three rounds, Alajuelense have established themselves as the early leaders, but Partizan and Tecos are right behind them. HFX Wanderers, Red Star and Hoffenheim are also firmly positioned in the playoff race.
The biggest battle may be developing just below the top nine. Górnik Zabrze, Bohemians, Lyon and Vojvodina are all within reach of the playoff places, meaning only a few good results could dramatically reshape the table.
And with 47 rounds still remaining, there is plenty of time for the teams currently outside the qualification spots to make their move. Group C is already showing signs of becoming a fascinating promotion battle.
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