Australian Football International is pleased to confirm that the AFI World 9s will return to Melbourne on Saturday 7 February, 2026!
Our new and much improved venue is Comely Banks Recreation Reserve, which has fantastic facilities, including 4 playing fields!
For the first time, due to popular demand we will be expanding to 4 Divisions – Men’s Division 1, Men’s Division 2, Women’s and Touch Footy!
History
The inaugural World 9s were held in Melbourne on Saturday 16 February, 2019. The venue was Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. It was a historic day for our great game, as we launched our strategy to have Footy 9s included in the Olympic Games.
The World 9s is now an annual event in Melbourne, with the competition expanding to multiple playing fields and Divisions.
Champions
2025 – United Nations (Division 1), Nauru (Division 2), Australia (Women)
2024 – South Sudan (Division 1), Nauru (Division 2), Australia (Women)
2023 – South Sudan (Division 1), United Nations (Division 2), Samoa (Women)
2022 – Samoa (Division 1), Chile (Division 2), Nauru (Women)
2021 – South Sudan (Division 1), Chile (Division 2), Ireland (Women)
2019 – Italy (Division 1), Switzerland (Division 2)
2026 Event Format
- 22 national teams (representing Melbourne’s multicultural communities)
- 4 x Playing Fields
- 9-a-side (maximum of 15 players per squad)
- 4 great Divisions – Division 1 Men, Division 2 Men, Women’s & Touch Footy!
- Matches will commence every 40 minutes to facilitate a carnival type atmosphere
- Each match consists of 2 x 15 minute halves, plus 3 minutes for half-time
- Each team will play a minimum of 3 matches during the event
- Each team will play in their national colours
- 4 Grand Finals – Division 1 Men, Division 2 Men, Women’s & Touch Footy
2026 Teams
The following teams have confirmed their participation in the 2026 World 9s:
Men’s Division 1 – Ireland, Nauru, South Sudan, United Nations
Men’s Division 2 – Cook Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Syria
Women’s Division – Australia, Fiji, Ireland, Nauru
Touch Footy Division – Canada, Colombia, Cornwall, Ireland, Latin Fire, Malawi, Netherlands, Philippines, Wales, United Nations
