Oceania: launch of the ”OFC Professional League”, the continent's first professional competition

A 2-2 draw between Vanuatu United FC (Vanuatu) and Bula FC (Fiji) at Eden Park in Auckland (New Zealand) was the opening match of the OFC Professional League, the Oceania Confederation's first professional league, on 17/01/2026.

Eight clubs (see below) are taking part in the first edition of this new competition, whose inaugural season comprises 72 matches divided into six phases and which will be held from 06 to 24/05/2026 in Auckland.

"With FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström (SWE) in attendance at Eden Park - which also hosted the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 - the OFC Professional League officially got under way, marking a historic moment for club football in Oceania. FIFA has supported the OFC throughout the development of the league, providing strategic expertise and delivering targeted workshops focused on governance, commercial development, player registration and communications, as part of the broader objective of professionalising football across the Pacific," said the international body on 18/01/2026.

"FIFA is fully committed to strengthening the…