Football Australia has today confirmed the four groups for the 2026 Australian Championship, with 16 clubs from seven states and territories set to contest the second edition of the national competition.
Group A features South Melbourne FC, Sydney United 58, Canberra Croatia and Sutherland Sharks FC.
Group B comprises Wests APIA FC, Avondale FC, Adelaide City FC and Broadmeadow Magic FC.
Group C is made up of Marconi Stallions FC, Sydney Olympic FC, Oakleigh Cannons FC and Bayswater City FC.
Group D brings together Preston Lions FC, Wollongong Wolves, South Hobart FC and Lions FC.
Each group contains two Foundation Clubs and two Qualifying Clubs, pairing the Championship's foundation members with clubs that earned their place through the National Premier Leagues.
Matches will be played across four matchdays each round - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - with full fixture details to follow.
The 2026 competition spans New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Executive Director of Football, Heather Garriock:
"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.
"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."
2026 Australian Championship groups
Group A |
Group B |
Group C |
Group D |
South Melbourne FC |
Wests APIA FC |
Marconi Stallions FC |
Preston Lions FC |
Sydney United 58 |
Avondale FC |
Sydney Olympic FC |
Wollongong Wolves FC |
Canberra Croatia |
Adelaide City FC |
Oakleigh Cannons FC |
South Hobart FC |
Sutherland Sharks FC |
Broadmeadow Magic FC |
Bayswater City FC |
Lions FC |
The full 2026 Australian Championship fixture list - including venues, dates and kick-off times for all matches - and media accreditation details will be released in the coming weeks
