Football Australia has unveiled a revised competitions structure for 2026, following a comprehensive review aimed at enhancing participation, qualification pathways, and aligning with international competition standards.

Key Changes in the Competition Structure

The updated framework for the 2026 competition will eliminate the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s Qualification Round. Additionally, Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix FC will no longer take part in the Hahn Australia Cup 2026. Consequently, all current Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s clubs, totaling ten, will enter the competition directly at the Round of 32. This adjustment ensures that only Australian teams compete, which aligns with the AFC club competition qualification requirements for the AFC Champions League Two.

Another significant alteration involves the 2025 Australian Championship winner, South Melbourne FC, who will gain direct entry to the Round of 32 in recognition of their success in the national competition. The allocation of qualification slots for the Round of 32 is as follows:

Representation	Slot Allocations
A League Clubs	10
2025 Australian Championship Winner	1
Football NSW	4
Football Victoria	4
Football Queensland	4
Football South Australia	2
Football West	2
Northern NSW Football	2
Capital Football (ACT)	1
Football Tasmania	1
Football Northern Territory	1
Total	32

Opportunities and Registration Details

The confirmed structure aims to bolster the integrity of the Hahn Australia Cup, showcasing Australia’s top clubs both domestically and internationally while providing clarity for Member Federations and clubs through streamlined qualification pathways. Western United FC will have the chance to enter the Hahn Australia Cup via the Football Victoria (VPL1) pathway, starting from the Preliminary Rounds for the 2026 season.

Registration dates for the Hahn Australia Cup Preliminary Rounds have also been announced, detailing the closure dates, draw dates, and commencement dates for each Member Federation:

Member Federation	Registration Closure Date	Draw	Prelim Rd Start Date
Football QLD	Thursday, 8 January	Monday, 19 January	Friday, 30 January
NNSW Football	Tuesday, 27 January	Tuesday, 3 February	Sunday, 8 February Northern Conference, Sunday, 8 March Southern Conference
Capital Football	Friday, 30 January	Wednesday, 11 February	TBC
Football NSW	Thursday, 12 February	Thursday, 19 February	Saturday, 7 March
Football VIC	Friday, 16 January	Tuesday, 27 January	Friday, 13 February
Football TAS	Wednesday, 21 January	Wednesday, 11 February	Friday, 6 March
Football SA	Tuesday, 27 January	Monday, 2 February	Friday, 20 February
Football West	Wednesday, 14 January	Wednesday, 28 January	Saturday, 1 February

These changes are set to enhance the competitive landscape of Australian football, ensuring a more robust and transparent pathway for clubs aiming to compete at the highest level.