The OFC Pro League match week is finally here, and the excitement is building up as the matches are set to kickoff this Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand.
The inaugural season of the Oceania Football Confederation’s professional league kicks off on January 17, 2026, with eight teams from seven nations competing in a circuit series format across various Pacific locations.
As various Pacific locations are set to host the OFC first ever Pro-League matches, New Zealand is the first to host the the first round of matches kicking off this weekend.
Now the excitement for the league is building, teams are gearing up for an action-packed season, with the first round of matches to be held at Eden Park in Auckland.
Vanuatu United FC took on Fiji’s Bula FC, while Auckland FC faced off against South Island United on Saturday 17th-this weekend.
Sunday fixtures will see Tahiti United taking on South Melbourne while the PNG Hekari FC takes on the Solomon Kings FC with other notable matches are set for next week, which will also be played in Auckland in New Zealand.
As the countdown continues the Solomon Kings FC is gearing up for its OFC Pro League debut against PNG Hekari United on January 18, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland.
This “Melanesian Derby” is a big deal, marking the first professional encounter between two of the Pacific’s most passionate football nations.
Star sports understands that both clubs have been preparing well for their first encounter in the OFC Professional league this Sunday.
The Solomon Kings, a joint venture between the Solomon Islands Football Federation and Brisbane-based Wynnum Wolves FC, are looking to make a statement in their inaugural season.
Their squad features national team players, and they’re eager to showcase their skills on the professional stage.
Local football fans from both the two Melanesian rivals are anticipated to behind their respective teams as they set to face each other this Sunday 18th January.
This is not for only the two Melanesian rivals for also for all the participating clubs in Oceania.
The league promises to be an intense competition, with teams playing 14 matches each during the first phase before splitting into two sections – leaders and challengers.
The winners will qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and secure a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
