What is the New Zealand National League?

24 October 2024

The New Zealand National League is Aotearoa’s premier domestic football competition, established in 2021 to showcase the nation’s top footballing talent. Featuring a two-phase format, the league brings together the best teams from across the country to compete for the prestigious title of National League champions.


How the National League Works

The competition is divided into two key stages:


1. Regional Phase (March – September):

Teams compete in regional leagues against local rivals.


  • Men’s Regional Leagues:
  • Northern League: Top 4 teams qualify.
  • Central League: Top 3 teams qualify, along with Wellington Phoenix Reserves.
  • Southern League: Top 2 teams qualify.



  • Women’s Regional Leagues:
  • The top 4 teams from the Lotto NRFL are joined by federation-nominated teams from Central and Capital Football, as well as Canterbury United Pride, Southern United, and Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

2. Championship Phase (September – November):

The top qualifiers from the regional phase battle it out over nine rounds, culminating in the National League Championship Grand Final, where the national champions are crowned.


Pathway to International Glory

Success in the National League offers opportunities beyond New Zealand:


  • Men’s OFC Champions League:
  • The top two teams from the National League Championship qualify for the OFC Men’s Champions League play-offs.
  • The winner represents New Zealand on the international stage.


  • Women’s OFC Champions League:
  • The winner of the Women’s National League Championship earns direct qualification to the OFC Women’s Champions League, facing the best teams in Oceania.


Stay Updated

For the latest fixtures, results, and more, visit the New Zealand Football website.


Join us in celebrating the passion, skill, and excitement of New Zealand’s top domestic football league!


share this

Related Articles

Related Articles

DOUBLE-HEADER NATIONAL Cup Finals at the One NZ Stadium

by Dan Andrew • 27 August 2026
WEAR YOUR CLUB COLOURS WITH PRIDE, and PAINT IT YELLOW!

Junior Mini World Cup

by Dan Andrew • 24 August 2026
Each year, to cap off another exciting Centennial Park Junior season, CTFC runs a Mini World Cup where our 8th and 9th Grade teams can compete for World Cup glory! Typically held on the final day of the competition and supported by our Women’s and Men’s First Team players as volunteers, this year’s Mini World Cup has been brought forward by one week due to a very special double National Cup Final at One New Zealand Stadium on Saturday, 5 September. Cashmere’s Women’s First Team will take on Eastern Suburbs in the Kate Sheppard Cup at 1pm, followed by our Men’s First Team facing Fencibles United in the Chatham Cup at 4pm. Entry is free for everyone, and we want to paint the stadium yellow! Wear your Tech playing top, grab your yellow wig or tutu, and get down to One New Zealand Stadium to get behind our teams as they chase New Zealand football history. Read more on this historic occasion here . View the Mini World Cup competition format per grade here . First Kicks fixtures will continue as usual on Saturday 29th and Saturday 5th August.

End of Season Dates Per Grade

by Dan Andrew • 18 August 2026
Centennial Park - junior Competition Grades 4-9
ALL ARTICLES