2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season fixtures released with key derby to open campaign
A-League season to commence with Sydney Derby
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has released the full fixture list for the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season. The new campaign is set to begin on Friday, October 16, with a significant match between rivals Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium. This encounter will mark the 45th edition of the Sydney Derby and is notable as the first time this fixture will open a men’s season.
The season will span 28 matchweeks, incorporating two split matchweeks in December and February. Each club is scheduled to play 26 games, comprising a full home-and-away schedule along with four additional third-match up fixtures. The Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final is slated for the weekend of June 3-6, 2027.
APL CEO Steve Rosich stated that the fixtures were released earlier than usual to provide clubs and fans with more time for planning and preparation. He highlighted the prioritisation of blockbuster games in the opening matchweeks to generate strong engagement at the start of the season and at other key points throughout the schedule.
Marquee matches and special commemorations
Beyond the opening rounds, the season will feature several marquee matches. The second half of the campaign will introduce the first league-wide Grassroots Celebration, scheduled across Matchweek 19 and 20. This initiative aims to celebrate the foundation of Australian and New Zealand football.
Additionally, the A-Leagues will observe its ANZAC Day commemoration during Matchweek 26, recognising the contributions of service members from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The league will also play through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5. Matches will be scheduled daily leading into the Socceroos’ group stage games, and the league will observe FIFA international windows in November and March.
Fixture development also considered fan feedback and venue availability, particularly for clubs sharing stadia or facing live event conflicts. The schedule also accounted for AFC club competitions, with three teams representing the Isuzu UTE A-League this season. This presented challenges for some clubs, such as the Jets, regarding stadium availability for their home matches.
Opening weekend fixtures detailed
Following the Friday night Sydney Derby, Matchweek 1 continues with a Super Saturday. Reigning champions Auckland FC will host Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium, with kick-off at 5pm NZT. Subsequently, Macarthur Bulls will face Perth Glory at Campbelltown at 5pm AEST, and the Newcastle Jets will travel to play rivals Central Coast Mariners at polytec Stadium at 7:40pm AEST.
On Sunday, Wellington Phoenix will commence their season with a home fixture against Melbourne Victory at Hnry Stadium, beginning at 3pm NZT. The first matchweek will conclude with Brisbane Roar travelling to South Australia to play Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium, with a 3pm AEST kick-off. Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre expressed enthusiasm for opening the club’s 20th season with a home fixture against Melbourne Victory, noting the historical significance of the opponent.
In New Zealand, Sky is the exclusive broadcaster of the Isuzu UTE A-League, with all matches live on Sky Sport and available on demand via Sky Sport Now and Sky Go. Selected games will also be accessible free-to-air on Sky Open and ThreeNow. In Australia, Paramount ANZ remains the exclusive home, with every match available live on Paramount+, and one match per week broadcast free-to-air on Network 10, including marquee games on Network 10’s primary channel.
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Source: aleagues.com.au
