OFC Pro League take big step forward: Here’s how it’ll work

OFC have provided more information on how the new Professional League will work.

Here’s what the press release said:

Press Release from OFC:

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is delighted to announce that expressions of interest are now open for the inaugural OFC Professional League, set to make its groundbreaking debut in January 2026.

This transformative competition marks a monumental leap forward for professional football in Oceania. Following an extensive series of presentations across the Pacific, OFC has unveiled key details of the league at the OFC Home of Football – Te Kahu o Kiwa in Auckland.

The OFC Professional League is set to redefine the football landscape in the region, establishing a competitive and sustainable framework for elite football. With eight premier teams from across the Pacific, the league promises to set new benchmarks for performance, competition, and opportunity.

During the briefings, attendees gained insights into the club application process, participation requirements, and the proposed league format. The pathway to the league’s kick-off includes:
* End of June 2025: Conclusion of the club application process.
* August 2025: OFC Licensing Committee’s recommendations to the OFC Executive Committee.
* September 2025: Final approval and issuance of licenses to the eight selected clubs.

OFC General Secretary Franck Castillo has emphasised the league’s significance.

“The launch of the OFC Professional League is a transformative moment for football in Oceania. It will not only elevate the standard of the game but also provide a competitive platform for our clubs and players to thrive on the international stage.”

The league’s proposed format is designed to keep fans and players engaged throughout the season. Between January and May 2026, the eight participating teams will compete in five circuit series rounds held across various Pacific locations in a double round-robin format, culminating in a minimum of 17 matches per team.

The competition will then intensify with teams split into two playoff groups:
* Leaders Playoff Group: Top four teams competing for semi-final berths.
* Challengers Playoff Group: Bottom four teams vying for redemption, with the top team earning a chance to face the fourth-placed Leaders Playoff team for a semi-final spot.

Semi-finals and the grand final will be single-leg matches, ensuring every game is high stakes. The season will conclude with the crowning of the inaugural OFC Professional League Champions.

“This league is designed to be a catalyst for football development across Oceania. The format ensures that the competition remains exciting right until the very end, with the fourth-placed team having the opportunity to play off against the fifth-place team for a spot in the semi-finals. This structure keeps every match meaningful and maintains competitive intensity throughout the season,” stated OFC Professional League Manager Stuart Larman.

The OFC Professional League will become the qualifying pathway for Oceania’s representative at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ and the newly formatted, quadrennial FIFA Club World Cup™ 2029.

About Author