Nations Footy Cup is returning to Bundoora bigger and better in 2026.
Having been held at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve the past two years, the event returns to La Trobe Sports Stadium on 14 February where it has been previously held.
The cup will be the largest and most diverse carnival to date, bringing together communities through Australian Rules football at La Trobe Sports Stadium.
One of the organisers Beejay Johnson said they had more teams than ever competing and would showcase community sport.
“Returning to La Trobe Sports Stadium, the Nations Footy Cup builds on the success of its previous event at the venue, delivering quality facilities and a central location for players, officials and spectators,” she said.
“With record participation, historic first-time inclusions, and a full day of football on display, the 2026 Nations Footy Cup Carnival promises to be the biggest and most exciting edition yet.”
The men’s division will feature 15 teams, marking one of the strongest line-ups in the carnival’s history.
Greece is fielding two teams for the first time, while the First Nations team will be making its debut appearance.
Team Albania is returning to the competition.
In the men’s competition, there are two Australian teams, two Italian teams and two Greek teams, Team Malta, Team Albania, Team Allies, Team Fiji, Team Timor-Leste, Team World, Team New Zealand, Team Lebanon and the First Nations team.
Last year, Team Lebanon won the division title, the Allies claimed the division 2 title by four points, and Australia A won the division 3 by 25 points against New Zealand.
Former AFL players Sam Gilbert and Brent Macaffer are among those lining up.
Johnson said the women’s competition continues its upward trajectory, expanding to six teams in 2026, with Team Malta joining the women’s division for the first time.
Competing in the women’s competition are Team Australia, Team Italy, Team World, Team Malta, Team Allies and Team New Zealand.
Team World is the defending champion in the women’s competition.
Gates will open at 9am.
