Football Australia has confirmed that AAMI Park in Melbourne will host the 2026 Australia Cup final on October 10, with Melbourne Victory facing South Melbourne in what is being billed as one of the most anticipated club matches in Australian football history.
Old meets new
The final will see a clash of two of Australian football's proudest names. South Melbourne, the former National Soccer League champions, will be appearing in their maiden Australia Cup final. Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, are progressing to a fourth decider. Remarkably, the two sides will be facing each other in a competitive game for the first time in Victory's 21-year history.
South Melbourne reached the final after drawing a crowd of more than 5,000 to their 2-1 semi-final win over Queensland Lions this week. Organisers expect the final to attract more than 20,000 spectators.
A long road to the final
FA Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock hailed the upcoming final as a watershed moment in the history of the Australia Cup, noting that 777 clubs across Australia had competed in this year's tournament. FA CEO Martin Kugeler called it an exciting way to conclude the competition and said AAMI Park provides a fantastic stage for the occasion.
The match comes at a crucial time for South Melbourne, who are making a significant bid to replace Western United in the A-League from the 2027-28 season onwards.
Security is expected to be beefed up for the match. The venue also faces a busy week, with the Monster Jam World Tour visiting seven days before the final, requiring a complete relaying of new turf just days before the match.
Sources:
- Live Soccer TV: AAMI Park to host Australia Cup final on October 10
Old meets new
The final will see a clash of two of Australian football's proudest names. South Melbourne, the former National Soccer League champions, will be appearing in their maiden Australia Cup final. Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, are progressing to a fourth decider. Remarkably, the two sides will be facing each other in a competitive game for the first time in Victory's 21-year history.
South Melbourne reached the final after drawing a crowd of more than 5,000 to their 2-1 semi-final win over Queensland Lions this week. Organisers expect the final to attract more than 20,000 spectators.
A long road to the final
FA Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock hailed the upcoming final as a watershed moment in the history of the Australia Cup, noting that 777 clubs across Australia had competed in this year's tournament. FA CEO Martin Kugeler called it an exciting way to conclude the competition and said AAMI Park provides a fantastic stage for the occasion.
The match comes at a crucial time for South Melbourne, who are making a significant bid to replace Western United in the A-League from the 2027-28 season onwards.
Security is expected to be beefed up for the match. The venue also faces a busy week, with the Monster Jam World Tour visiting seven days before the final, requiring a complete relaying of new turf just days before the match.
Sources:
- Live Soccer TV: AAMI Park to host Australia Cup final on October 10
