Old rivalries, new battles: Australian Championship groups locked in

The groups are set for the 2026 Australian Championship, with 16 clubs learning their opponents ahead of the competition’s return in October.

Eight foundation clubs will be joined by eight NPL qualifiers, with the draw producing a mix of historic rivalries and fresh interstate clashes.

Group A features defending champions and NPL VIC giants South Melbourne alongside NPL NSW pair Sydney United and Sutherland Sharks, and NPL Capital Football premiers Canberra Croatia.

In Group B, Wests APIA are joined by NPL SA premiers Adelaide City, NPL NNSW premiers Broadmeadow Magic and Bruno Fornaroli’s Avondale FC from NPL VIC, while Group C brings together NPL NSW’s Marconi Stallions, relegated Sydney Olympic, NPL VIC premiers Oakleigh Cannons and NPL WA premiers Bayswater City.

NPL VIC heavyweights Preston Lions, Wollongong Wolves of NPL NSW, NPL Tasmania premiers South Hobart and history-making NPL QLD premiers Lions FC complete the draw in Group D.

The eight foundation clubs - South Melbourne, Sydney United, Wests APIA, Avondale, Marconi, Sydney Olympic, Preston and Wollongong - all return after competing in the inaugural Championship last year.

They are joined by eight NPL qualifiers, with Bayswater City, Broadmeadow Magic, Canberra Croatia and South Hobart returning for another national campaign. Adelaide City, Lions FC, Oakleigh Cannons and Sutherland Sharks will make their Australian Championship debuts

Matches will be spread across Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the complete fixture list, venues, dates and kick-off times to be announced in the coming weeks. The Championship is scheduled to begin on October 16, with the final slated for December 12-13.

"The Australian Championship arrived last year as something new. In 2026 it arrives as something established, with 16 clubs from seven states and territories, from South Hobart to Bayswater City, Broadmeadow Magic to Lions FC in Brisbane,” said Football Australia Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock.

"Marconi against Sydney Olympic will catch the eye, and South Melbourne against Sydney United 58 carries just as much history. But the matches that define this competition are the ones without a history yet, and that's the point of a truly national competition.

"Our vision was a competition that is dynamic, sustainable and inclusive, one that respects the traditions of our game while opening new pathways. The 2026 edition builds on that, and the quality across these four groups shows how far the competition has come in a year."