The final four sides remaining in the Nike FC Cup race have learned their Semi Final fates today, with two blockbusters confirmed.
Reigning Nike FC Cup champs South Melbourne FC will take on the Heidelberg United at Lakeside Stadium in rematch of the 2025 Cup Final.
South have been arguably the form side in the cup so far, dispatching Melbourne University 7-0 and Keilor Park 2-0 before overcoming a resurgent Bentleigh Greens side 3-2 at Kingston Heath last night.
They’ll take on a Heidelberg side who will no doubt use last year’s cup final loss for inspiration.
The Bergers have been up and down throughout the tournament, particularly defensively, where they have conceded five goals in three matches. But they seemed to right the ship against Clifton Hill, despite going a player five minutes into the match, winning through to the final four with a comprehensive 4-0 win at home.
The winner of that match will slug it out with the winner between FC Bulleen Lions and Essendon Royals.
These two sides have been dominating all competitions so far in 2026, with nothing separating these two sides atop the Senol NPLW ladder.
However, both sides’ cup runs nearly came to an end last, where Bulleen’s Tiffany Eliadis levelled their match against Box Hill in the 121st minute to force a penalty shootout while Essendon survived a tense penalty shootout of their own against a resolute Alamein side.
Head-to-head, Bulleen have had the wood over the Royals in their two league clashes, with the Lions taking home a 3-1 win at home earlier in the year and taking home a 2-1 win in the most recent round.
Nike FC Cup 2026 Semi Finals
- South Melbourne FC vs Heidelberg United
- FC Bulleen Lions vs Essendon Royals
Both clashes promise to be fascinating contests between four very strong sides. Matches can be played on the evenings of July 15, 16 and 17 with match details to be confirmed as soon as possible.