Upcoming TLDs / .core
Can you register a .core domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .core would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
Core commonly refers to a broadly recognized term used across a wide range of contexts.
the central part of something
“Core” means the central, essential, or most important part of something.
Who applied for .core
Heir Superiority, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .CORE is to provide a namespace associated with the applied-for string. The .CORE gTLD is intended to serve a broad range of registrants and users, including individuals, businesses, organizations, communities, projects, and other entities that identify with, relate to, or wish to be associated with the concept represented by the applied-for string.
Link Freedom Group / LFG
Link Freedom Group Ltd, MT, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Link Freedom Group (LFG) aspires to become a best-in-class, vertically integrated domain name registration authority, see linkfreedomgroup.link. This TLD is part of a carefully curated portfolio of strings that LFG intends to pursue in ICANN’s 2026 New gTLD Program. In assembling this portfolio, LFG focused on securing meaningful, memorable, and commercially compelling strings that resonate strongly with end users and offer long-term growth potential.
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .core is to provide a strong namespace for individuals, businesses, organizations, products, services, technologies, and resources representing essential functions, central values, or foundational capabilities. Intended uses span technology, fitness, education, professional services, and organizational initiatives. Its mission is sustainable because foundational and essential services have lasting cross-sector relevance.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .core be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .core and its registry announces launch dates.