The wait is finally over as the Extra Premier League 2026 season kicks off this weekend with five exciting fixtures scheduled across the country, marking the beginning of another thrilling campaign in Fiji’s top-tier football competition.
With clubs strengthening their squads through local transfers and overseas recruits, fans can expect a season filled with intense rivalries, unpredictable upsets, and fierce battles for early momentum.
The opening match of the season will take place in the North on Saturday, where Labasa FC will host Nasinu FC at Subrail Park in Labasa. The season opener is set for 1:30 pm, with Labasa expected to draw strong support from their passionate northern fans. Nasinu, however, will be eager to spoil the party and begin their campaign with a valuable away result.
One of the biggest highlights of Round One will be the much-anticipated Battle of the Cities fixture, as Suva FC travels to Churchill Park to face Lautoka FC on Sunday at 2pm. The rivalry between the two football giants is always guaranteed to attract massive attention, with both sides aiming to start their season with bragging rights and crucial points.
In Nausori, newly promoted Tailevu Naitasiri will host arch-rivals and defending champions Rewa FC at Ratu Cakobau Park on Sunday at 3pm.
The official opening ceremony for the Extra Premier League 2026 will take place at 2.25pm, adding extra significance to what is expected to be a fiery contest. Tailevu Naitasiri has strengthened its squad with several experienced signings ahead of its return to the top division, while Rewa enters the season looking to defend its league title despite losing a number of key players to the OFC Pro League.
Meanwhile, in Ba, the Men-in-Black will begin their campaign at home when Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC hosts Coastal Rental Cars Nadroga FC at 4R Stadium, Govind Park at 3 pm. Ba has made major investments this season, recruiting top players from other districts and overseas, while Nadroga will go into the match as underdogs after opting to rebuild with mainly homegrown players.
In Navua, Navua FC will take on Nadi FC at the Uprising Sports Ground at 3 pm. Nadi has strengthened with the return of former players and the addition of Solomon Island recruits, while Navua will rely on home advantage to overcome the loss of key players during the transfer window.
With five matches set to ignite the opening round, the Extra Premier League 2026 promises to deliver high-quality football and intense competition from the first whistle.