PNGFA Cup Regional Qualifiers conclude, Finals line-up confirmed

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has confirmed the eight teams that have qualified for the PNGFA Cup Finals, following the successful completion of the four regional qualifying tournaments held across the country.

The regional qualifiers were conducted in the Northern, New Guinea Islands (NGI), Highlands, and Southern regions, providing Member Associations (MAs) and their affiliated associate members with the opportunity to compete for places at the national finals.

Following the conclusion of the qualifiers, the following teams have secured qualification:

Northern Region 

Host: Madang Soccer Association 

• Men: Wau 

• Women: Madang

New Guinea Islands Region 

Host: Kimbe Soccer Association 

• Men: Manus 

• Women: SHA – NBPOL Soccer Association

Highlands Region

Host: Mendi Soccer Association 

• Men: Mendi 1 

• Women: Goroka

Southern Region 

Host: Koupa Soccer Association 

• Men: Koupa Gold 

• Women: Tabubil

These eight teams will now progress to the PNGFA Cup Finals in 2027, where the regional representatives will compete for national honors.

PNGFA will confirm the date and venue for the PNGFA Cup Finals in due course. PNGFA acknowledges and commends the four Member Associations that hosted and delivered the regional qualifying tournaments:

Madang Soccer Association, Kimbe Soccer Association, Mendi Soccer Association, and Koupa Soccer Association.

The successful delivery of the qualifiers required the coordination and commitment of each host association, including their organizing committees, match officials, volunteers, and football stakeholders.

PNGFA also recognizes the contribution of the associate members and affiliated associations that fielded teams and participated in the regional competitions.

Their involvement has been an important part of the PNGFA Cup, ensuring the competition provides a pathway for teams from across the country to participate at the regional and national levels.

Of particular note was the participation of teams from the Alotau Soccer Association and Esa'ala Soccer Association, who travelled by road to Kaparoko, Central Province, to take part in the Southern Regional Qualifier hosted by Koupa Soccer Association.

PNGFA acknowledges the commitment demonstrated by these teams and all participating associations in making the necessary traveling arrangements to compete.

The PNGFA Cup is an important component of the governing body’s domestic football calendar,  providing associations and teams from across the four regions with an opportunity to compete beyond their respective local competitions and progress towards a national championship.

The conclusion of the 2026 regional qualifiers marks the completion of the first stage of the competition, with preparations now turning towards the national finals in 2027.

PNGFA congratulates all participating teams on their efforts throughout the regional qualifiers, and in particular, the eight teams that have secured their places at the PNGFA Cup Finals.

Further information regarding the date, venue, competition format, and arrangements for the PNGFA Cup Finals will be communicated by PNGFA once confirmed.