FIFA has joined forces with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to support the final preparations for the OFC Professional League, the first fully professional football competition across Oceania, set to kick off in January 2026.
According to Inside FIFA, representatives from the eight participating clubs gathered in Nadi on September 27–28 for a two-day workshop focused on governance, development, and strategic planning. The sessions marked the first official meeting of the league’s founding clubs — Bula FC (Fiji), PNG Hekari FC (Papua New Guinea), Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands), Tahiti United FC (Tahiti), Vanuatu United FC (Vanuatu), Auckland FC and South Island United FC (New Zealand), and South Melbourne FC (Australia).
The workshops covered a range of topics including club governance, commercial growth, the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS), and player registration, as well as communications and brand development. The event featured contributions from global football figures such as Ornella Desirée Bellia, FIFA’s Director of Professional Football Relations & Development; Stuart Larman, head of the OFC Professional League; and experts from Australia, North America, and Latin America.
“The establishment of the OFC Professional League is a true game changer for football development in the region,” said Bellia. “Club football is at the heart of the professionalisation of the entire football ecosystem, and FIFA is fully committed to supporting clubs on their journey to the next level.”
Larman said the workshops marked the start of a “landmark moment” for Oceania football. “Providing a professional pathway for players, coaches, referees and administrators will be crucial for the sport’s growth in the region,” he said.
The OFC Professional League will feature eight teams from seven nations and run from January to May 2026 in a circuit series format, with matches hosted across the Pacific in Auckland, Port Moresby, Melbourne, Honiara, and Fiji. The league’s champion will qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029, offering Oceania a direct route to global competition.
What is the OFC Professional League?
It’s the first fully professional football league in Oceania, bringing together eight clubs from across the Pacific and Australia.
When will the league start?
The inaugural season begins on January 10, 2026, and will run until May.
How is FIFA involved?
FIFA is supporting the league’s launch through strategic and technical workshops, helping clubs establish sustainable professional standards across governance, operations, and competition management.
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