The heartbeat of Pacific football pulsed through Auckland last night as the Oceania football community gathered at Eden Park to celebrate the official launch of the OFC Pro League — a bold new chapter in the region’s sporting story and the first professional football league in Oceania.
Hosted by Goran Paladin, the event brought together players, coaches, officials and fans from across the Pacific for an evening of excitement and anticipation, marking the moment football in Oceania truly turned professional.
Eight teams from seven nations will contest the inaugural season when the competition kicks off in January 2026, running through to the end of May. Each club will play at least 17 matches across circuit rounds, leading to semi-finals and a grand final that will crown Oceania’s first professional champion. The winner will not only lift the league trophy but will also qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™, determining which club represents Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup™.
The Teams
Representing the entire Pacific region, the league will feature:
- Auckland FC and South Island United (New Zealand)
- South Melbourne FC (Australia)
- Bula FC (Fiji)
- PNG Hekari FC (Papua New Guinea)
- Tahiti United (Tahiti)
- Vanuatu United FC (Vanuatu)
- Solomon Kings FC (Solomon Islands)
“A New Era for Oceania Football”
In his address, OFC President Lambert Maltock captured the spirit of the occasion:
“What begins here tonight at Eden Park will change the landscape of football in Oceania, forever.”The remark resonated throughout the stadium, underlining the ambition behind the league — to elevate Pacific football both on and off the pitch, nurture local talent and provide a professional platform worthy of the region’s passion.
Rivalries, Talent and Vision
Early rivalries are already taking shape, particularly the North v South Aotearoa derby between Auckland FC and South Island United, tipped to be one of the season’s standout fixtures. Across the islands, anticipation is just as high: Tahiti United, formed from the foundations of powerhouse AS Venus, is ready to showcase some of Tahiti’s brightest players, while Solomon Kings FC has announced a partnership with Australia’s Wynnum Wolves, strengthening player development pathways.
Vanuatu’s Brian Kaltak and Fiji’s Roy Krishna, two of the Pacific’s finest exports, were cited as inspirations for the next generation — players that clubs such as Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC hope to emulate through consistent local development.
Meanwhile, PNG Hekari FC — building on the legacy of Hekari United — has appointed former national coach Marcos Gusmão and confirmed three Brazilian signings, boosting its profile even before the first whistle.
Adding an extra spark is South Melbourne FC, the league’s sole non-OFC team. A former Oceania Club Championship winner, the Australian side returns to its regional roots with a passionate following and a tradition of success that promises to add intensity to the competition.
The Road Ahead
With the opening round set for 17 January 2026, excitement is building from Suva to Port Moresby, from Papeete to Honiara, and from Auckland to Melbourne. What was once a dream for Pacific footballers and fans is now a reality.
The OFC Pro League is more than a tournament — it is a statement of ambition, unity and regional identity. As President Maltock reminded the crowd, the journey ahead will not only define the clubs and players, but also “the future of football in Oceania itself.”
Who will rise, who will inspire, and where will the first OFC Pro League trophy end up come May?
The countdown has begun.
