Oceania’s first professional football league has finally arrived and over the next two weeks, New Zealand will play host to the very first round of the OFC Pro League.
Defined by its natural landscapes, Māori culture and values, and a deep connection to sport, New Zealand was one of the four founding members of the Oceania Football Confederation.
Traditionally a rugby union nation, football has seen significant growth in New Zealand since the turn of the century, helped by the hosting of FIFA events, as well as the performances of New Zealand teams on the continental and global stage.
Now it welcomes the OFC Pro League to its shores, to kick-off Oceania’s new professional era at two venues – Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
Two of the eight competing clubs in the inaugural season are from New Zealand – Auckland FC, and Aotearoa’s latest professional football club South Island United – both of whom will be eager to capture continental silverware.
Venues
Eden Park
Match Days Hosted | 17th & 18th January
Eden Park is New Zealand’s national stadium, located in the heart of Auckland, under the shadow of Mt Eden – holding a capacity of 50,000.
Recognized as a legendary international rugby venue and stronghold for the All Blacks (New Zealand’s national rugby team), Eden Park hosted two Rugby World Cup finals in 1987 and 2011, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup final in 2021.
It’s history with football includes hosting the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, and the semi-final between Spain and Sweden, which broke the record for the largest football crowd in New Zealand.
The OFC Pro League adds to Eden Park’s historic legacy as the region’s flagship multi-sport venue and sporting cathedral.
North Harbour Stadium
Match Days Hosted | 20th, 21st, 23rd, & 24th January
Just a 20-minute drive north from Auckland’s city centre, North Harbour Stadium is home to New Zealand Football and the training grounds for Auckland’s professional A-League and OFC Pro League club, Auckland FC.
North Harbour Stadium is steeped in New Zealand and Oceania football history, hosting three FIFA events – the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in 1999, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ in 2008, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ in 2015
Familiar with the big stage already, it is poised to host another historic football event for the region when it hosts four OFC Pro League Round 1 match days, beginning on Tuesday the 20th of January.
Great Moments in New Zealand Football History
All Whites finish as the only unbeaten team at FIFA World Cup 2010™
After qualifying on a memorable night in Wellington with victory over Bahrain, New Zealand were the only nation to finish unbeaten at the FIFA World Cup 2010™ in South Africa – despite not progressing past the group stage.
Appearing at just their second global finals, an injury-time goal from Winston Reid secured New Zealand’s first FIFA World Cup™ point in a 1-1 draw with Slovakia. Impressively, they followed that result up with another 1-1 draw against defending world champions Italy, shocking the football world in Nelspruit.
Unfortunately, a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in their final group stage game wasn’t enough to progress, but the All Whites left South Africa with plenty of respect.
Hannah Wilkinson ignites FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ with opening goal
Co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ alongside Australia, New Zealand opened the tournament at Eden Park against former champions Norway.
Hannah Wilkinson’s 48th minute goal sparked joyous scenes of joy across the nation, wheeling away for an iconic celebration. The goal led New Zealand to their first ever win at a senior FIFA World Cup™, holding on to secure a famous 1-0 victory.
Whilst the Football Ferns failed to build on the result and advance to the knockout stages, Wilkinson’s goal lives on as an inspiring moment for all female footballers across New Zealand and the rest of Oceania.
Auckland City FC finish third at FIFA Club World Cup 2014™
The only amateur team competing at the FIFA Club World Cup 2014™, the majority of Auckland City FC’s squad had part-time jobs on the side of football, and qualified courtesy of being OFC Men’s Champions League winners in 2014.
They began their campaign in Morocco with a win over host club Moghreb Tetouan, before defeating African champions ES Sétif, and shocking CONCACAF champions Cruz Azul, to finish third at the event.
Captain and New Zealand international Ivan Vicelich also earnt the Bronze Ball for the third best player of the tournament, standing alongside global legends Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo on the podium.
A look to the future
Saturday, January 17th will see another chapter written in the rich sporting history of New Zealand. A brand new professional football league for the Pacific to call its own and a platform for the next generation of talent to showcase their skills.
Five rounds played across the Pacific, followed by a finals series, will see the region crown its first-ever professional champions. Don’t miss out!
Don’t miss the OFC Pro League kick-off this weekend as Round 1 gets underway.
Bring the family along to watch the action and enjoy the family funzone, with tickets from only $15.