A year after conceding an 88th-minute goal that ended their inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ campaign in heartbreaking fashion, Auckland United FC return for their second appearance on the world stage this weekend.
The OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 winners will represent Oceania against Asian champions Naegohyang Women’s FC of Korea DPR in the first round of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™ on Sunday 25 October at 8pm NZDT. The match will be played on neutral ground at Shangcheng Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, China.
Much has changed since last year’s 1–0 defeat to Chinese club Wuhan Jiangda at the same stage though.
Only six members of the 24-player squad travelling to China were in the matchday squad for last year’s fixture, while Alexander Barlow is the new face in the dugout, having been announced as head coach in September. It is a fresh look for the New Zealand club as they seek to upset the odds in Hangzhou.
“It’s been brilliant [coming in as head coach],” says Barlow. “These girls are amazing, and they’re the best team in New Zealand for a reason.”
“We’re a very good group here. We’re also very fortunate with the ladies that we’ve also been able to bring in, including New Zealand internationals, and others that have previously played professionally overseas.”
Born in Wales, Barlow is a former New Zealand age-group international and was part of the Auckland United coaching staff during their OFC Women’s Champions League triumph in the Solomon Islands this year, before succeeding Jo Dawkins as head coach. He also served as an assistant to Ben Cahn at Solomon Kings FC during the inaugural OFC Pro League season.
Auckland United will start as underdogs against Naegohyang Women’s FC, who beat Tokyo Verdy Beleza to win the AFC Women’s Champions League in May and boast several senior Korea DPR internationals. Founded in 2012, the club won domestic league titles in 2021–22 and 2023–24.
Nevertheless, Barlow believes his squad can test the Asian champions, just as United pushed Wuhan Jiangda last year.
“We’re from a small country, but we deserve to be here. We’re the only team that’s been at the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup two years in a row now, so it’s important we back ourselves and stay true to what we want to do,” he says.
“It’s about keeping momentum, but obviously ensuring that we’re able to go and, I guess, be proactive in what we do and not shy away.”
Stella Lawson, 22, is one of 18 players who were not in last year’s Champions Cup squad, having returned to Auckland United after several seasons in the American college system.
Lawson came through the junior ranks at Three Kings United, which later merged with Onehunga Sports to form Auckland United. She went on to score in Auckland United’s 2022 Kate Sheppard Cup quarter-final victory before moving overseas.
“The club has grown a tremendous amount since I’ve been away and I’m just lucky and privileged to be able to come back to such an awesome team and environment,” says Lawson.
“It’s ruthless and cutthroat over there [in the USA], so it’s taught me a lot of resilience and how to really fight through and get results when you need to.”
“I think that’s prepared me well for this match and I’m super excited for this opportunity.”
Captain and defender Talisha Green is excited by the new talent, having been one of six returning players who were part of the squad against Wuhan Jiangda last year.
“I feel like we’ve strengthened and brought in some really good people to bring up the energy, which has made us a better team on the field and off the field,” says Green. “It’s cool to have them coming in and making a really big impact.”
Green played the full match against Wuhan Jiangda and has been central to Auckland United’s success, captaining the club to three consecutive OFC Women’s Champions League titles and three successive National League crowns.
“I was lucky to be part of the squad that travelled to China last year and played against Wuhan, so I’m really excited to get back to it and put ourselves up against tough opposition again,” she says.
“I’ve got a lot of faith in the squad, and I think we can rise to the challenge and put a good performance out there.”
The faces may have changed, but Auckland United’s ambition to make their mark on the world stage remains, as they look to make amends for the heartbreak they suffered in Wuhan.
Watch the full interviews below:
Fixture Details
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027™
Round 1
Naegohyang Women’s FC v Auckland United FC
Sunday 25th October, 3pm local time (8pm NZDT)
Shangcheng Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou, China PR
Watch the match live and free on FIFA+ via DAZN HERE
Feature image photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek