OFC Men’s Champions League winners Auckland City FC have arrived in the United States ahead of their biggest challenge yet against world-class opposition at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Drawn in Group C alongside football heavyweights, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, and Argentine giants Boca Juniors, the only amateur club side competing at the new look 32 team tournament, are relishing the opportunity to test their skills against some of the world’s best players.
This year marks Auckland City FC’s record 12th appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup, having secured qualification by capturing the OFC Men’s Champions League title 11 times in the past 14 years.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play against some of the best in the world.” said captain Mario Ilich.
“We’ve been to Club World Cup’s before but with this new format and being put with three powerhouse teams is something we can’t wait for.”
The side have arrived in Philadelpia where they will play a friendly tomorrow against Major League Soccer side Philadelpia Union. They will then head to Alexandria to take on Al Ain, last year’s Asian Champions League winners on Tuesday in their final warm up game ahead of the tournament.
Auckland City FC will move to theirtheir training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee next week and will utilise top-notch training facilities as they prepare for their first group match against Bayern Munich on Monday 16th June NZT.
Notably, the club will be without their head coach Paul Posa, who is unavailable for the build-up to the tournament due to personal circumstances.
Stepping up in his absence are assistant coaches Adria Casals, Daewook Kim and club legend Ivan Vicelich who was part of the side’s historic third-place finish in 2014.
“2014 was a dream come true for Oceania football to have a team at the highest stage, and for us to get a bronze medal that was incredible,” said Vicelich.
“Heading into this tournament, it’s a totally different setup and we’re working hard at that.
“The club deserves to be there, the players deserve to be there and we’re going to perform as well as we can.”
Auckland City FC fixtures
V Bayern Munich
Monday, 16 June 2025 | 4:00AM NZT
V SL Benfica
Saturday, 21 June 2025 | 4:00AM NZT
V CA Boca Juniors
Wednesday, 25 June 2025 | 7:00AM NZT
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(Photo Credit OFC Media via Phototek)