Back for a 21st campaign at the OFC Men’s Champions League, Auckland City FC are Oceania’s most successful club with 13 continental titles.
They have won each of the last four editions of the tournament, lost just nine of their 112 matches dating back to 2005, and have qualified for 12 FIFA Club World Cup’s™ (the most of any club in the world) and two FIFA Intercontinental Cup’s™.
“Auckland City has built an incredible history in the OFC Men’s Champions League and many of our players have been part of that success,” says head coach Rudy Mozr. “We have huge respect for what has been achieved before us, but our responsibility isn’t to live in the past, it’s to create the next chapter.”
The arrival of the OFC Pro League now means the winners of the OFC Men’s Champions League no longer qualify for FIFA competition though, something Auckland City had been accustomed too over the last 15 years.
“Of course, qualifying for FIFA competitions was an amazing opportunity in previous years, but the OFC Champions League remains a prestigious tournament with strong opponents. That’s more than enough motivation for us.”
The Navy Blues again arrive as pre-tournament favourites and have been drawn into Group B alongside Central Coast FC, AS Vénus, and AS Tiga Sport.
History
Auckland City FC are the most successful club in the history of the OFC Men’s Champions League, winning 13 titles.
They have won four of those titles in a row, including a 2-0 win over Hekari United in the final of the 2025 edition in Honiara last year, and have not lost a match at the competition since a semi-final defeat in 2019.
The Coach: Rudy Mozr
Taking over at the start of 2026, Rudy Mozr is in his first season as head coach with Auckland City FC and has his side well-positioned inside the top four of the domestic Northern League with two matches to play.
“It’s a privilege to work at a club like Auckland City alongside such a committed group of players and staff,” says Mozr. I’ve learnt a lot during my first season, and I’ve enjoyed every challenge that comes with leading a club of this size.”
The 35-year-old is of Czech nationality and holds a UEFA Pro License, making him one of the highest qualified coaches in Oceania.
The Squad
Twelve players in this year’s squad remain from last year’s title-winning campaign, most of whom have lifted the OFC Men’s Champions League on multiple occasions.
Six players have also returned to the squad after gaining professional experience in the OFC Pro League. They include Christian Gray and Nathan Lobo from South Island United, as well as Michael Den Heijer and Matt Ellis from Auckland FC. Fergus Gillion and Matt Foord are new signings after spending time with Bula FC.
“They’ve added quality, experience and real competition for places, which raises standards across the whole squad. That’s exactly what every coach wants. Having greater depth gives us more options as the season progresses.”
Player to Watch: Christian Gray
Club stalwart Christian Gray is back in navy blue with Auckland City FC after gaining a taste of professional football with South Island United earlier this year. The defender will be playing in his sixth OFC Men’s Champions League and is synonymous with scoring the equalising goal for Auckland City against South American giants Boca Juniors at the FIFA Club World Cup last year.
Gray played in 16 of South Island United’s 18 fixtures during the OFC Pro League and provides a tall and physical frame. Auckland City have conceded just three goals in each of their last two Champions League campaigns, and Gray’s return will again provide stability to a strong backline.
Squad List
Match Schedule:
Group A
Monday 10th August, 3pm local time
Central Coast FC v Auckland City FC
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Thursday 13 August, 12pm local time
AS Tiga Sport v Auckland City FC
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Sunday 16 August, 12pm local time
Auckland City FC v AS Vénus
4R Stadium Govind Park, Ba
How to Watch
OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 will be taking place in Fiji from 9-22 August. You can watch the action LIVE and FREE on FIFA+ via DAZN HERE