# 2026 Australia Cup final matchup

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-australia-cup-final-matchup
> Updated: 2026-09-23T20:05:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

South Melbourne FC secured its first appearance in the Australia Cup final following a 3–1 comeback victory against Lions FC. After trailing early in the match to a goal by Jackson Hart-Phillips, South Melbourne turned the game around in the second half, led by a hat-trick from substitute Bul Juach.

As a non-A-League side, South Melbourne becomes only the third club of its kind to reach the final. They are scheduled to face Melbourne Victory FC, who advanced to the decider after a 2–0 win over Sydney FC. The final, which marks the first all-Victorian final of the modern era, is set to take place at AAMI Park on October 10. This fixture also represents the first competitive meeting between the two Melbourne clubs.

The matchup is being framed as a clash between different eras of Australian football, pitting the National Soccer League era success of South Melbourne against the modern A-League era prominence of Melbourne Victory.

Demand for the fixture has been exceptionally high. The initial ticket allocation for South Melbourne supporters sold out in just over a day. To address the surge in interest, Football Australia has confirmed that a final release of tickets will be made available on Friday, October 2. The match has the potential to break the modern Australia Cup final attendance record of 18,751.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: South Melbourne FC to face Melbourne Victory in Australia Cup final

South Melbourne FC will face Melbourne Victory in the Australia Cup final on October 10 after defeating Lions FC 3-1, fueled by a Bul Juach hat-trick. Ticket demand for the match has already reached record high

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-melbourne-and-melbourne-victory-to-face-off-in-australia-cup-final

### 2026-09-18: South Melbourne FC and Melbourne Victory to meet in Australia Cup Final

South Melbourne FC and Melbourne Victory FC will face each other in the 2026 Hahn Australia Cup Final at AAMI Park on 10 October, marking the first all-Victorian final of the modern era.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-melbourne-fc-and-melbourne-victory-to-meet-in-australia-cup-final

### 2026-09-15: South Melbourne FC reaches Australia Cup final after comeback win

South Melbourne FC reached their first Australia Cup final after a 3-1 comeback win over Lions FC, fueled by a Bul Juach hat-trick. They will face Melbourne Victory in the final.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-melbourne-fc-reaches-australia-cup-final-after-comeback-win

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Cite as: 2026 Australia Cup final matchup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-australia-cup-final-matchup