Defending champions Makira-Ulawa will begin their 2026 Solomon Cup campaign against Western Tomoko on November 22, following the release of the tournament’s official match schedule. The competition will bring together ten provincial teams at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara, with the championship final scheduled for December 5.
The opening match will see Makira-Ulawa face Western Tomoko at 12.30pm, before Guadalcanal Hornets take on Honiara Warriors at 3.30pm in another important Group A encounter.
For Makira-Ulawa, the tournament represents an opportunity to defend the historic championship they secured in July 2025, when the Real Kakamora defeated Malaita Eagles 3-0 in the final to claim their first Solomon Cup title.
Their previous campaign was marked by determination and resilience, particularly during the semi-final against Guadalcanal, when Makira-Ulawa recovered from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2.
That victory established the foundations for their eventual triumph, and the defending champions now return with several familiar figures as they seek to retain the trophy.
The province has already confirmed four guest players for the tournament, including Jeffery Bule and Stanley Wairowo, both important members of last year’s successful campaign. They will be joined by Solomon Islands international Adrian Mara and experienced winger Chris Hatarau.
Their opening opponents, Western Tomoko, will provide the first test in a demanding group that also includes Guadalcanal Hornets, Honiara Warriors and Isabel Frigates.
The second Group A fixture on opening day could be equally significant.
Guadalcanal have assembled an experienced squad featuring John Orobulu, Paul Francis, Marlon Tahioa and Lent Abua as their four guest players. Their meeting with Honiara Warriors will offer an early indication of the team’s ambitions after finishing third in last year’s competition.
Guadalcanal will subsequently face Temotu’s fellow provincial competitors within the group, including a highly anticipated encounter with Makira-Ulawa on November 26.
Meanwhile, Group B will begin its campaign on November 23, when Malaita Eagles face Central Shields at 12.30pm before Temotu Arrows take on Lauru Kuvojo at 3.30pm.
Malaita enter the competition determined to recover from their defeat in last year’s final, having previously established themselves among the country’s strongest provincial teams.
Group B also features Renbel Ibis, completing a competitive five-team section alongside Malaita, Central Shields, Temotu and Lauru Kuvojo.
The group stage will follow a single round-robin format, with every team playing four matches. Two fixtures are scheduled on each matchday, beginning at 12.30pm and 3.30pm, with the preliminary phase concluding on December 1.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on Thursday, December 3.
The winners of Group A will face the runners-up from Group B in the opening semi-final, while Group B’s winners will meet the second-placed team from Group A in the other encounter.
The third-place play-off and championship final will take place on Saturday, December 5, bringing the two-week competition to its conclusion.
The tournament will also provide an important opportunity for players from provincial football competitions to compete alongside experienced SIFF Super League footballers and current or former national team representatives.
Under the regulations introduced for 2026, each provincial team can include four guest players in its squad, with all four permitted to feature simultaneously.
The arrangement has encouraged several provinces to recruit established footballers, contributing to expectations of a highly competitive tournament.
The Solomon Cup also carries additional significance following the establishment of the OFC Professional League, with Solomon Kings providing a new professional pathway for domestic footballers.
Strong performances during the provincial competition could attract the attention of coaches and scouts ahead of the 2027 season, particularly for players who have not yet secured opportunities in the professional environment.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation is also introducing paid admission as part of its efforts to increase revenue and make the national competition more financially sustainable.
For supporters, the release of the schedule brings the tournament another step closer, with several intriguing encounters already confirmed during the group stage.
Makira-Ulawa’s title defence, Malaita Eagles’ attempt to reclaim the trophy and Guadalcanal’s strengthened squad are among the main storylines heading into the opening matches.
With ten provincial teams competing for national honours, Lawson Tama Stadium will once again become the centre of Solomon Islands football when the Solomon Cup kicks off on November 22.
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