The Men’s 2026 Dettol National League season is upon us, with the regional phase kicking off tomorrow.

The Dettol Southern League get things underway first, with Christchurch United FC hosting Dunedin City Royals FC in the opening match of the new season at the United Sports Centre in Christchurch at midday on Saturday.

Defending Dettol Southern League champions, Coastal Spirit FC, open their campaign away to Nelson Suburbs FC at midday Sunday 22 March at Saxon Fields, Nelson.

The Dettol Northern League season opener will be contested between Tauranga City AFC and East Coast Bays A.F.C at Links Ave Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.

2025 Dettol National League champions Auckland City FC begin their title defence against last year’s Dettol Northern League winners, Western Springs AFC tomorrow at 5:30pm at Seddon Fields.

There are no Dettol Central League matches this weekend. Instead, it’ll be the Wellington Phoenix Academy Men’s Reserves that open proceedings in the Dettol Central League on Saturday 28 March against FC Western at Fraser Park.

2025 Dettol Central League title holders and Championship Grand Finalists, Wellington Olympic AFC open their account against Miramar Rangers at 2:30pm at David Farrington Park, Wellington on Saturday 28 March.

Promoted teams for 2026

Dettol Northern League: Manukau United and Melville United

Dettol Central League: FC Western

Dettol Southern League: Northern

Most matches in the Dettol National League will be available on FIFA + with more than 220 matches shown live and free on FIFA + this season.

The Dettol National League unfolds in two stages: the Regional phase (March – September) and the Championship phase (September – November).

During the regional phase, teams compete against local rivals in their respective regional leagues as they look to secure qualifications for the Dettol National League Championship.

The qualifiers for the Dettol National League Championship are as follows:

The top four teams from the Dettol Northern League, along with Auckland FC Reserves

The top three teams from the Dettol Central League, along with Wellington Phoenix’s reserve side

The top two teams from the Dettol Southern League

In 2025, Auckland City FC pipped Wellington Olympic AFC on penalties 7-6 in the Championship Grand Final, as neither side could be separated following a 2-2 draw after extra-time.

Dettol National League Championship Qualification for 2027

Next season will see changes to the Championship phase format, with the composition of the 2027 Men’s National League comprising of twelve (12) teams as follows:

Northern League: Top four (4) Northern League teams based on Regional League performance from 2022 – 2026

Central League: Top three (3) Central League teams based on Regional League performance from 2022 – 2026

Southern League: Top two (2) Southern League teams based on Regional League performance from 2022 – 2026

A-League Reserve sides: Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix

A Play-Off Winner will also qualify for the 2027 season through the following method:

The 5th placed team in the Northern League, the 4th placed team in the Central League; and the 3rd placed team in the Southern League shall compete in a three way playoff series to determine the final position in the 2027 men’s National League (2027 National League championship - 29 - Season 2026 Play-off).

More information on the 2027 format changes is available here.

You can follow the action on FIFA + and through the social media handle @NZLeagues.

Article added: Friday 20 March 2026