Football in Oceania took a giant leap on Friday as eight clubs were officially unveiled for the region’s first-ever professional league, set to kick off on January 10, 2026.
The inauguration of the Oceanian Professional Football League, described as a “historic moment” for the game in the Pacific, will also serve as a pathway to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Seven nations will be represented in the inaugural season. Fiji’s Bula Boys FC, Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United, Solomon Kings FC from the Solomon Islands, Tahiti United FC, and Vanuatu FC headline the Pacific Island representatives.
From New Zealand, Auckland FC and Christchurch United have been confirmed. At the same time, South Melbourne will fly the flag for Australia as the only club from outside the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) region.
The final confirmation of these clubs is subject to licensing and compliance checks, but officials insist preparations are on course.
“This is a historic moment for Oceania football,” OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo said. “For the first time, our region will have a professional league that provides a pathway for players, coaches and clubs to compete at the highest level within the Pacific.”
The league’s first season will run until May 2026. Each club will play at least 17 matches before the competition splits into two groups: the top four and the bottom four. The leading sides will contest three of the four semi-final places, with the best team from the lower bracket earning a playoff spot.
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