The Pacific's first professional competition, the OFC Pro League, kicks off on January 17, 2026. David Rowland/Phototek NZ Kicking off on Jan. 17, 2026, at Auckland's famous Eden Park, the OFC Professional League, even if you might not have heard of it until now, is one of the most ambitious footballing projects in recent memory. Covering the vast expanse of the Pacific, the FIFA-backed league will seek to bring professional football to not just one country for the first time

PNG Hekari FC has strengthened its squad with the arrival of two new international recruits — striker John Orobulu from the Solomon Islands and midfielder John Alick from Vanuatu. The duo received a warm welcome from the club’s management, coaching staff, and director upon landing in Port Moresby, signaling Hekari’s intent to make a powerful statement ahead of the OFC Professional League kickoff in January 2026.

Oceania Professional League football competition chiefs will redistribute prizemoney from future FIFA Club World Cup windfalls to ensure one club does not disproportionately benefit. The new Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) league, which will kick off at Auckland’s Eden Park on January 17, will feature eight teams, including New Zealand clubs Auckland FC and South Island United. The Pro League will supply Oceania’s representative to the next FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. N

T he heartbeat of Pacific football pulsed through Auckland last night as the Oceania football community gathered at the iconic Eden Park stadium to celebrate the official launch of the OFC Pro League, a bold new chapter in the region’s sporting story. Hosted by Goran Paladin, the evening was night of celebration and excitement, as football in the Pacific takes a bold step into a new era. Against the backdrop of New Zealand’s most storied stadium, players, coaches, and officia