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2026 Australian Championship explained: Teams, format, fixtures and how to watch
By HIGHPRESS11 October 2026
Australian football's national second-tier competition returns this week, with 16 clubs from seven states and territories competing for the 2026 Australian Championship.
From former National Soccer League heavyweights South Melbourne, Sydney United and Adelaide City to emerging NPL powerhouses, the second edition brings together some of the country's most historic clubs and successful state-league teams.
The competition kicks off on Thursday, October 15, with six rounds of group-stage football followed by a knockout finals series culminating in December's Grand Final.
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There are also changes for 2026, including an expanded free-to-air broadcast schedule and a new penalty shootout bonus-point system.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Australian Championship.
What is the Australian Championship?
The Australian Championship is a national football competition launched by Football Australia in 2025, bringing together leading clubs from Australia's National Premier Leagues (NPL).
It provides a national stage for clubs that compete primarily in their respective state and territory competitions, including several former NSL giants.
The Championship sits below the A-League Men in Australia's football structure but operates as a separate tournament rather than a conventional home-and-away second division.
It features eight permanent foundation clubs and eight teams that qualify through their performances in the NPL.
South Melbourne are the defending champions after winning the inaugural competition in 2025, while they were crowned Australia Cup champions last week - becoming the first NPL team to achieve the feat.
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Which teams are playing in the 2026 Australian Championship?
Sixteen clubs will compete across four groups of four teams.
Group A
- South Melbourne (Victoria)
- Sydney United (New South Wales)
- Canberra Croatia (ACT)
- Sutherland Sharks (New South Wales)
Group B
- Wests APIA (New South Wales)
- Avondale FC (Victoria)
- Adelaide City (South Australia)
- Broadmeadow Magic (Northern NSW)
Group C
- Marconi Stallions (New South Wales)
- Sydney Olympic (New South Wales)
- Oakleigh Cannons (Victoria)
- Bayswater City (Western Australia)
Group D
- Preston Lions (Victoria)
- Wollongong Wolves (New South Wales)
- South Hobart (Tasmania)
- Lions FC (Queensland)
Eight foundation clubs return from the inaugural season: South Melbourne, Sydney United, Wests APIA, Avondale, Marconi Stallions, Sydney Olympic, Preston Lions and Wollongong Wolves.
The remaining eight places were filled through NPL qualification.
Adelaide City, Lions FC, Oakleigh Cannons and Sutherland Sharks are making their Australian Championship debuts, while Bayswater City, Broadmeadow Magic, Canberra Croatia and South Hobart return for a second campaign.
How does the Australian Championship format work?
The competition begins with four groups of four teams, with each club playing six matches during the regular season.
Teams face their three group opponents twice, once at home and once away.
The top two teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals, producing an eight-team knockout stage.
The finals series consists of quarter-finals, semi-finals and the Grand Final, with each tie decided over a single match.
The winner of the Grand Final is crowned Australian Championship champion.
How does the new penalty shootout rule work?
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the introduction of a penalty shootout bonus-point system during the group stage.
Every match that finishes level after 90 minutes will proceed directly to penalties, with an additional competition point awarded to the shootout winner.
The points system works as follows:
- Win in normal time: 3 points
- Draw and win the penalty shootout: 2 points
- Draw and lose the penalty shootout: 1 point
- Lose in normal time: 0 points
The official match result remains a draw regardless of the penalty shootout outcome.
The rule applies only during the group stage. Knockout matches will use extra time and penalties, if required, to determine which team progresses.
When does the 2026 Australian Championship start?
The Australian Championship kicks off on Thursday, October 15, with Preston Lions hosting Wollongong Wolves in the opening match.
The group stage runs across six rounds, with matches scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The quarter-finals begin on November 26, while the Grand Final is scheduled to take place between December 10 and 12.
What are the opening Australian Championship fixtures?
Several high-profile encounters headline the opening round, including clashes between former NSL clubs and NPL champions.
The confirmed opening-round highlights include:
- Thursday, October 15: Preston Lions v Wollongong Wolves
- Saturday, October 17: Sutherland Sharks v South Melbourne
- Adelaide City v Avondale FC
- Oakleigh Cannons v Sydney Olympic
Preston's meeting with Wollongong opens the competition, while South Melbourne begin their title defence away to Australian Championship newcomers Sutherland Sharks.
The full fixture schedule, including venues and kick-off times, is available through Football Australia's official competition channels.
How to watch the 2026 Australian Championship in Australia
Every match of the 2026 Australian Championship will be available live and free through SBS On Demand.
SBS will also broadcast two matches on free-to-air television each round, including a new Thursday night showcase on SBS2 and a Saturday fixture on SBS.
The remaining matches will be streamed on Football Australia's official YouTube channel and SBS On Demand.
The opening fixture between Preston Lions and Wollongong Wolves will be shown on SBS2, while Sutherland Sharks' meeting with South Melbourne will feature on SBS.
Is the Australian Championship connected to the A-League?
The Australian Championship forms part of Australia's broader national football structure but is separate from the A-League Men.
It was established to provide a national competition for leading state-league clubs and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and clubs to compete beyond their local NPL competitions.
There is currently no automatic promotion or relegation between the Australian Championship and the A-League Men.
Who won the first Australian Championship?
South Melbourne made history by winning the inaugural Australian Championship in 2025.
NPL VIC giants South enter the second edition as defending champions, adding further significance to their 2026 campaign after winning the Australia Cup Final against Melbourne Victory.
South are among nine former NSL clubs participating in this year's competition, alongside Sydney Olympic, Marconi Stallions, Sydney United, Adelaide City, Wests APIA, Preston Lions, Wollongong Wolves and Lions FC.
When is the 2026 Australian Championship Grand Final?
The Australian Championship Grand Final is scheduled for December 10–12, 2026.
The knockout finals series begins with the quarter-finals on November 26, with further venue and scheduling details to be confirmed by Football Australia.
The winner will become the second Australian Championship titleholder.
