Get your tickets for the 2026 Nike FC Cup and the Steph Catley Plate Finals at The Home of the Matildas!

Heidelberg United FC and Essendon Royals SC are set to battle for the Nike FC Cup at The Home of the Matildas on Saturday, 1 August. Kick off 6:00PM.

The day will include access to the Steph Catley Plate Final match between Caroline Springs George Cross FC and Craigieburn City FC at 2:30PM.

Match Details

• Saturday 1 August 2026
• The Home of the Matildas, Sports Dr, Bundoora VIC 3083
• Gates Open 1:30PM
• Steph Catley Plate - Kick-Off: 2:30PM
• Nike FC Cup Final - Kick-Off 6:00PM

Tickets

• General Admission - Adults: $7.50
• General Admission - Junior (13 - 17 years): $5
• General Admission - Concession: $5
• General Admission - 12 & Under: FREE

Accessible Tickets

To book an accessible seat, purchase a general admission ticket and email us at: info@footballvictoria.com.au to receive a free companion seat.

Getting to the event

The carpark adjacent to The Home of the Matildas is shared with other La Trobe University Sports Park users.

On the day, you may need to utilise the parking at Carpark 2A and Carpark 2. Please allow plenty of time in case you need to park at a distance.

What to expect

Gates will open at 1:30pm, 1 hour before the Steph Catley Plate Final kick-off at 2:30pm. Grillin' Greeks, along with the cafe and canteen onsite will have you covered for food and drinks (including alcoholic beverages).

General Admission tickets provides access to the Pavillion grandstand. There is limited seating. Ticket holders can utilise the space around the pitch to stand. Please plan to arrive early if you wish to sit.

For any general enquires email: info@footballvictoria.com.au


History

All roads lead to The Home of The Matildas as Heidelberg United and Essendon Royals prepare to battle for one of Victorian football's most prestigious trophies in the 2026 Nike FC Cup Final.

The decider marks the eighth meeting between the two clubs, with Heidelberg holding a narrow 4-3 advantage in the head-to-head record.

Heidelberg United FC

Heidelberg United will contest their third Nike FC Cup Final as they chase a second title, having first lifted the trophy in 2013. The Bergers returned to the decider in 2025 but fell just short against South Melbourne and will be determined to go one step further this time around.

After another impressive cup campaign, Heidelberg now have the opportunity to add more silverware to the club's honours list, with the Nike FC Cup representing their best chance of major success this season.

Essendon Royals SC

Essendon Royals will make history with their first appearance in a Nike FC Cup Final. The Royals, who won the inaugural Steph Catley Plate in 2023, are now just one win away from becoming the first club to claim both trophies.

The Royals booked their place in the final in dramatic fashion, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Bulleen Lions 4-2 in the semi-final and continue their remarkable cup run.

If history is anything to go by, this one won't disappoint. With no previous meetings ending in a draw, Heidelberg United and Essendon Royals are set for another blockbuster encounter.

Will Heidelberg United reclaim the Nike FC Cup for the first time since 2013, or can Essendon Royals complete their fairytale run and lift the trophy for the first time in club history? Buy your tickets now, to find out!