https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/08/24/only-four-spots-left-as-clubs-claim-qualifying-places-in-mens-national-league/
Seven clubs have secured their places in this year’s Men’s National League after latest results from the three regional competitions.
Seven clubs have secured their places in this year’s Men’s National League after latest results from the three regional competitions.
Seven more clubs are still in the running to take the remaining four spots in the league, which has expanded to 11 teams this year.
The men’s National League will start during the last weekend of September, with a 10-round schedule deciding which two clubs will meet in the grand final.
The winner of the league will qualify to represent New Zealand in next year’s OFC Men’s Champions League.
Wellington Olympic have become the first club to win their regional league, clinching the Dettol Central League title with a 5-0 win against Island Bay United on Saturday.
It’s Olympic’s fifth Central League title in a row, and they are chasing a double when they contest the Delivereasy Chatham Cup final against Auckland United on Sunday September 7, 2025.
Meanwhile, last year’s national champions, Auckland City, are at risk of missing qualification as four Northern League clubs — separated by a single point on the table — are vying for the two remaining spots.
In the Dettol Southern League, a three-way battle between Coastal Spirit, Cashmere Technical and Christchurch United continues to decide the regional title and which two clubs will go forward to the national competition.
Northern region
Five teams to participate
Automatic inclusion
Auckland FC Reserves
Qualified
Western Springs
Birkenhead United
Western Springs
Birkenhead United
In contention
With one more round of games to play, two of these four:
Auckland United
Auckland City
Eastern Suburbs
East Coast Bays
With one more round of games to play, two of these four:
Auckland United
Auckland City
Eastern Suburbs
East Coast Bays
Central region
Four teams to participate
Automatic inclusion
Wellington Phoenix Reserves
Qualified
Wellington Olympic
Miramar Rangers
Western Suburbs
Wellington Olympic
Miramar Rangers
Western Suburbs
Southern region
Two teams to participate
In contention
Two from the following three will qualify:
Coastal Spirit
Cashmere Technical
Christchurch United