Oceania to Launch First Professional Football League in 2026

TDT | Manama

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Eight clubs have been chosen to compete in the inaugural OFC Professional League, marking a historic step for football in Oceania. The competition is set to begin on January 10, 2026, and will act as a pathway to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.

Teams from seven nations will take part, including Bula Boys FC (Fiji), Hekari United FC (Papua New Guinea), Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United FC (Tahiti), and Vanuatu FC (Vanuatu). New Zealand will be represented by Auckland FC and Christchurch United, while South Melbourne will fly the flag for Australia as the league’s only non-OFC team.

The selected clubs still need to complete the final licensing and compliance checks before official confirmation.

“This is a historic moment for Oceania football,” said Franck Castillo, OFC General Secretary. “For the first time, our region will have a professional league that creates opportunities for players, coaches, and clubs to perform at the highest level in the Pacific.”

The first season will run until May 2026, with each team playing at least 17 matches. After the regular stage, the top four clubs and bottom four clubs will be placed into separate groups. The leading teams will compete for three semi-final spots, while the best performer from the lower group will also get a playoff chance.