According to the RFU licensing procedure results from May 1, only four clubs have been cleared for participation in the 2026/2027 RPL season: “Fakel”, “Rodina”, “Ural”, and “Rotor”. Unsurprisingly, these exact teams currently occupy the top four spots in the league table.
KAMAZ (5th place, 49 points) and “Spartak” from Kostroma (6th place, 48 points) could mathematically sneak into fourth place, but due to the lack of the required RPL license, their involvement in the playoffs is impossible.
Let’s break down who will secure direct promotion to the RPL from the First League and who will have to fight in the playoffs. We’ll go through each team separately.
**”Fakel” Voronezh**
– Matchday 33: “Fakel” vs. SKA Khabarovsk
– Matchday 34: “Volga” Ulyanovsk vs. “Fakel”
Voronezh had an impressive first half of the season but stalled in spring, losing their comfortable lead in the standings. Oleg Vasilenko’s squad suffered narrow losses to direct rivals “Rodina” and “Rotor”, plus an unexpected 0:2 defeat to modest “Chaika”.
Now “Fakel” leads “Rodina” by just two points. To clinch direct promotion, they need only one point from their final two matches. A playoff berth for “Fakel” is highly unlikely — they are six points clear of third-placed “Ural”.
Vasilenko’s men will surely aim to finish top of the table. To achieve that, they need at least four points, ideally two wins against SKA Khabarovsk and “Volga” Ulyanovsk.
**”Rodina” Moscow**
– Matchday 33: “Rodina” vs. “Chelyabinsk”
– Matchday 34: “Arsenal” Tula vs. “Rodina”
Another Moscow team could appear in the RPL next season. “Rodina”, founded in 2015 by businessman Sergey Lomakin, is pushing hard for a spot in Russia’s top flight. The club has already secured at least a playoff place, but could still snatch first place.
For direct promotion, “Rodina” needs three points from their remaining two matches. Two points might suffice, but if “Ural” wins both games, tie-breakers such as goal difference and head-to-head results would come into play.
“Rodina” could drop to the playoffs only if they collect just one point in two matches while “Ural” takes maximum points. This scenario is highly improbable.
**”Ural” Yekaterinburg**
– Matchday 33: “Ural” vs. KAMAZ
– Matchday 34: “Chernomorets” Novorossiysk vs. “Ural”
Throughout the season, “Ural” confidently trailed “Fakel”, but slipped to third place in spring. In the last round, Vasily Berezutsky’s team surprisingly lost to “Shinnik” (0:1), missing the chance to close in on “Rodina”.
Now the Yekaterinburg side’s fate heavily depends on Moscow’s results. To achieve direct promotion, “Ural” must win both remaining matches while hoping “Rodina” loses at least one game (or draws both).
Most likely, we’ll see “Ural” in the playoff matches. Berezutsky’s squad could still drop to fourth place, but no lower than that.
**”Rotor” Volgograd**
– Matchday 33: “Ufa” vs. “Rotor”
– Matchday 34: “Rotor” vs. “Chaika” Peschanokopskoye
“Rotor” has worked a miracle in the second half of the season! Dmitry Parfyonov’s team remains unbeaten for 12 matches (6 wins, 6 draws). Their last defeat was back in November 2025 against “Chelyabinsk” (0:2).
Unfortunately, even two wins won’t be enough for “Rotor” to reach the RPL directly. However, Parfyonov’s men could overtake “Ural” for third place. The scenario is tricky: Yekaterinburg must collect at most one point from two games, while “Rotor” must win both.
“Rotor” is pursued by KAMAZ (four points behind) and “Spartak” Kostroma (five points behind). It’s hard to believe that “Rotor’s” unbeaten run will suddenly end while KAMAZ and “Spartak” take maximum points.
