APIA Leichhardt will look to recreate one of the most famous upsets in Australia Cup history when they host Melbourne Victory in a blockbuster quarter-final at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night.
The NPL NSW giants have reached the last eight by defeating Peninsula Power 2-1 in the Round of 32 before overcoming Sydney United 58 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16.
Their reward is a meeting with A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory and, for APIA supporters, a chance to revisit some very happy memories.
The two clubs famously met at the same venue in the 2018 competition, when APIA stunned the reigning A-League champions with a 3-2 victory in one of the competition’s great Cupsets.
Tasuku Sekiya scored twice that night before Victory fought back through a Kenny Athiu double, only for Nathan Millgate to head home the winner in the 80th minute.
Eight years later, APIA have another opportunity to eliminate Victory – this time with a place in the Australia Cup semi-finals on the line.
Here’s everything you need to know about APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory, including how to watch the match in Australia, live stream details and kick-off time.
When is APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory?
APIA Leichhardt face Melbourne Victory on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The Australia Cup quarter-final will be played at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm AEST.
APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory match details
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Competition: Australia Cup – Quarter-final
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST
How to watch APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory
The Australia Cup quarter-final between APIA Leichhardt and Melbourne Victory will be broadcast live on Paramount+ in Australia.
All four matches in the 2026 Australia Cup quarter-finals are being shown exclusively on Paramount+, rather than the free 10 Streaming and Football Australia YouTube broadcasts available for selected matches in earlier rounds.
That means supporters will require a Paramount+ subscription to watch APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory live.
TV channel: No free-to-air TV broadcast
Live stream: Paramount+
Kick-off: 7:30pm AEST
What time does APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory kick off?
APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory kicks off at 7:30pm AEST on Wednesday night.
Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane: 7:30pm AEST
Adelaide/Darwin: 7:00pm ACST
Perth: 5:30pm AWST
New Zealand: 9:30pm NZST
Have APIA Leichhardt beaten Melbourne Victory before?
Yes – and it remains one of the defining Cupsets in Australia Cup history.
APIA defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 at Leichhardt Oval in the Round of 16 in 2018, despite Victory entering the competition as the reigning A-League champions.
Sekiya’s brace put APIA 2-0 ahead before Athiu struck twice for Victory to level the scores. Millgate then headed home in the 80th minute to secure a famous victory for the Sydney club.
It was played in front of 2,467 supporters at Leichhardt Oval and sent APIA into the quarter-finals.
Wednesday night’s meeting therefore offers APIA the opportunity to repeat one of the club’s greatest modern nights – while Victory will finally have the chance to avenge their famous 2018 defeat.
What’s at stake in APIA Leichhardt vs Melbourne Victory?
The winner will progress to the 2026 Australia Cup semi-finals.
Sydney FC have already secured their place in the final four after defeating SD Raiders 1-0 in Tuesday night’s opening quarter-final.
Beyond the trophy itself, the 2026 Australia Cup carries an additional incentive: the eventual winner will earn direct entry into the 2027-28 AFC Champions League Two.