The Wellington Phoenix will open their 20th season with a rematch of the club’s inaugural fixture from 2007.
The Phoenix will play host to four-time A-League men’s champions Melbourne Victory at Hnry Stadium on Sunday, October 18 in the opening matchweek of the 2026-27 season.
The Nix memorably came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the then champion Victory in their maiden A-League match at the Ring of Fire in August 2007, with Shane Smeltz scoring an 84th minute equaliser.
The two sides have played some unforgettable matches since, most notably during the 2023-24 season when the Phoenix and Victory met on five occasions and extra time was required to separate them in their semi-final at Hnry Stadium.
New Phoenix head coach Chris Greenacre can’t think of a better opponent to open the club’s 20th season.
“I’ve got one or two good memories of playing and coaching against the Victory, and my connection with Ernie Merrick (former Phoenix and Victory coach) makes it a little bit more special as well,” Greenacre said.
“Having a home fixture in the opening weekend at Hnry Stadium is a dream come true.
“And the Victory are one of the most successful teams in A-League history so they’ll give us a good gauge of where we’re at and where we need to get to.
“We’re all really excited in the office and in the playing group to have that home fixture and we’re determined to put a squad together that’s worthy of the support.
“I want to encourage everyone to be part of this new era of the Wellington Phoenix.”
Tickets for the season opener will go on sale in September.
The full Wellington Phoenix men’s schedule will be announced at 10am NZT tomorrow, with membership renewals starting next week.
The women’s draw is expected to be released next month.
