2026 Australian Championship: Sharks Drawn With South Melbourne, Sydney United 58 And Canberra Croatia
2026 Australian Championship | Group Announcement
Football Australia has today confirmed the groups for the 2026 Australian Championship, and we've landed in Group A alongside South Melbourne FC, Sydney United 58 and Canberra Croatia.
It's a huge moment for the club. We're one of 16 clubs from seven states and territories taking part in this second edition of the national competition, sitting alongside three genuine heavyweights of Australian football. South Melbourne and Sydney United 58 both carry serious history and trophy cabinets to match, and Canberra Croatia bring their own strong pedigree from the NPL Capital Football system. For a club that only reached its first home semi final in 13 years this season, this is exactly the kind of stage we've been building towards.
Each group in the competition pairs two Foundation Clubs with two Qualifying Clubs, and we've earned our spot as a Qualifying Club through our form in the NPL NSW system. That's a point of real pride for everyone at Seymour Shaw. Matches across the competition will be played Thursday through to Sunday, with the full fixture list including venues, dates and kick off times to be released in the coming weeks.
Football Australia Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock said the competition has grown quickly since launching last year.
"The Australian Championship arrived last year as something new. In 2026 it arrives as something established, with 16 clubs from seven states and territories, from South Hobart to Bayswater City, Broadmeadow Magic to Lions FC in Brisbane," Garriock said.
"Our vision was a competition that is dynamic, sustainable and inclusive, one that respects the traditions of our game while opening new pathways. The 2026 edition builds on that, and the quality across these four groups shows how far the competition has come in a year."
Learn more about our opponents below:
We'll have more on our Group A fixtures, dates and how to be there as soon as they're confirmed.