Eight Clubs Confirmed as Preferred Candidates for Historic OFC Professional League

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has confirmed the eight preferred clubs for the inaugural OFC Professional League, marking a turning point for football in the Pacific. According to the OFC official website, the announcement follows a thorough licensing process overseen by the Independent Club Licensing Committee and approved by the OFC Executive Committee on 29 August 2025.

The league, set to begin on 10 January 2026, will be the first-ever professional football competition in Oceania and will serve as the region’s direct qualifier for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029.

The eight preferred clubs represent seven nations: Bula Boys FC (Fiji), Hekari United FC (Papua New Guinea), Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United FC (Tahiti), Vanuatu FC (Vanuatu), Auckland FC (New Zealand), Christchurch United FC (New Zealand) and South Melbourne FC (Australia), the latter being the only team from outside the OFC region.

Franck Castillo, OFC General Secretary, described the confirmation as “a historic moment for Oceania football,” emphasizing the competition’s role in creating opportunities for players, coaches, and clubs to perform at the highest level within the Pacific.

The 2026 season will run from January to May, featuring five circuit series rounds hosted across the Pacific. Each club will play a minimum of 17 matches. After the regular phase, teams will enter playoff groups: the Leaders Group (top four teams competing for three direct semi-final places) and the Challengers Group (the remaining clubs, with one earning a playoff against the fourth-placed Leaders team for the final semi-final spot). Semi-finals and the final will be played as single-leg knockouts.

The OFC Professional League will be officially launched at a ceremony in Auckland on 29 October 2025.

When does the OFC Professional League start?

The first season begins on 10 January 2026 and will run until May.

Which clubs are participating in the inaugural season?

Eight preferred clubs have been named: Bula Boys FC, Hekari United FC, Solomon Kings FC, Tahiti United FC, Vanuatu FC, Auckland FC, Christchurch United FC, and South Melbourne FC.

Will the OFC Professional League qualify teams for the FIFA Club World Cup?

Yes. The league will provide Oceania’s direct qualification pathway to the FIFA Club World Cup 2029.