Oceania football fans are in for a treat with the highly anticipated OFC Pro League, set to kick off in January 2026. This regional professional club competition, backed by FIFA, marks a new era for Pacific Island players, offering them a chance to develop their careers and elevate the sport across the region. Here's a closer look at the eight founding clubs:
- Bula FC: Based in Ba, Fiji, Bula FC is a national movement aimed at giving every Fijian player a chance to reach the professional stage. Coached by Stéphane Auvray, a former Guadeloupe international, the team will be a force to be reckoned with.
- Vanuatu United FC: Nicknamed 'The Chiefs', this club is the only professional sports club in Vanuatu, jointly owned by the Vanuatu Football Federation and the government. Based in Port Vila, it will be led by German coach Lars Hopp, who will also manage the Vanuatu men's national team.
- Hekari FC: Hekari FC, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is the country's first-ever professional club. With a focus on regional and international success, the team will be coached by Brazil's Marcos Gusmão, featuring three Brazilian players: Erick Joe, Kaûe Silva, and Rafael Chaves.
- Solomon Kings FC: A partnership between the Solomon Islands Football Federation and Australian club Wynnum Wolves FC, Solomon Kings FC will be based in Honiara with a secondary training base in Brisbane. The club is yet to announce its head coach.
- Tahiti United: Representing French Polynesia, Tahiti United is the professional arm of AS Vénus. Based in Pīraʻe, the team will be led by national team head coach Samuel Garcia, aiming to unite and involve all Polynesians behind the project.
- Auckland FC: One of two New Zealand teams, Auckland FC is a familiar name in the A-League. The team competing in the OFC Pro League will be a development component of the first team, based in Auckland, with Luke Casserly as the coach.
- South Island United: Originally unveiled as Christchurch United FC, this club represents the entire South Island of New Zealand. Based in Christchurch, it will be led by Rob Sherman, a former Fiji national team coach and New Zealand Football Director of Football.
- South Melbourne FC: The only Australia-based, non-OFC member side, South Melbourne FC will compete in the OFC Pro League. Based in South Melbourne, the team will be managed by Sinisha Cohadzic, with a rich history in representing Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2000.
