Who will join A-League giants Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC in the 2026 Australia Cup semi-finals? That is what will be decided this week.
Victory and Sydney FC will go head-to-head in the semi-finals, having progressed from the quarter-finals but there are still two spots up for grabs among four NPL clubs.
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP: Every team qualified as final sides locked in
On Tuesday night, NPL QLD premiers Lions FC will host Victorian second-tier outfit North Sunshine Eagles in Queensland.
Then on Wednesday night, NPL VIC heavyweights Preston Lions and South Melbourne will renew their rivalry in a blockbuster showdown.
The two winners will meet for a spot in this season’s final, where either Victory of Sydney will await.
Lions FC v North Sunshine Eagles
Giant-slaying Lions FC are in the midst of a memorable season, domestically and nationally, as they prepare to entertain North Sunshine on Tuesday.
Fresh from being crowned NPL QLD premiers, the Lions then conquered A-League giants Melbourne City 2-0 to book their spot in the last eight.
Since then, Lions FC have also claimed the Kappa Queensland Cup. Meanwhile, club great Alexander Fiechtner has fuelled the Queensland outfit this season with an incredible 32 goals.
North Sunshine have enjoyed a history-making Australia Cup campaign while fighting relegation from Victory’s VPL1 in 2026, which they were unable to avoid with the third tier waiting next year.
In the Round of 16, the Eagles defied the odds to shock 2025 runners-up and reigning NPL VIC champions Heidelberg United and advance.
Preston Lions v South Melbourne
All eyes will be on Genis Steel Stadium midweek when Preston Lions welcome fierce rivals South Melbourne to their home.
It comes just a month after their NPL VIC clash was overshadowed by offensive banners displayed by a group of Preston supporters at Lakeside Stadium.
On the field, Preston are in red-hot form under coach Zoran Markovski.
Preston are 11 games unbeaten in NPL VIC ahead of the finals, while they also claimed their first Dockerty Cup title in 32 years. In the Australia Cup, they outclassed Brunswick Juventus to setup a meeting with South Melbourne.
South Melbourne, who are also through to the NPL VIC finals, survived a thrilling Round-of-16 tie against NPL WA’s Fremantle City on penalties following a 3-3 draw. They were also beaten by rivals Heidelberg on the weekend.
How to watch
The two remaining quarter-final matches will be broadcast exclusive on Paramount+.
When is the final?
The date for the 2026 decider is still to be determined.
However, the semi-finals are slated for September 8-20.