Auckland City FC Embarks on David vs. Goliath FIFA Club World Cup Journey

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Auckland City FC, New Zealand’s most successful club, departed Monday for their seventh FIFA Club World Cup appearance—this time facing their toughest challenge yet against European champions Bayern Munich, Portugal’s SL Benfica, and Argentina’s Boca Juniors in Group C.

The amateur Oceania champions received an emotional sendoff from Mount Roskill Intermediate School, where principal Kirsten Walsham presented traditional Māori taonga (treasures) to chairman Ivan Vuksich, captain Mario Ilich, and general manager Gordon Watson. The ceremony highlighted the club’s deep community ties as they embark on their US campaign.

⚽ The Road to Glory: Fixtures & Preparation

Pre-Tournament Friendlies

• June 5 vs. Philadelphia Union (Subaru Park, Pennsylvania)

• June 9 vs. Al Ain FC (Audi Field, Washington D.C.)

These matches serve as critical preparation against Al Ain—who defeated Auckland 6-2 in 2024—and MLS tacticians Philadelphia Union.

Group Stage Battles

• June 15: Bayern Munich (TQL Stadium, Cincinnati)

• June 20: SL Benfica (Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando)

• June 24: Boca Juniors (Geodis Park, Nashville)

🏟️ Base Camp: Baylor School, Tennessee

The team will train at Baylor School’s elite facilities in Chattanooga from June 10, using the same grounds that have hosted MLS and USMNT preparations.

🌏 More Than Football: A Legacy for Oceania

As the tournament’s only amateur side, Auckland City carries Oceania’s hopes against clubs with combined:

• 17 UEFA Champions League titles (Bayern & Benfica)

• 18 Copa Libertadores crowns (Boca)

• Estimated $1.2B squad value vs. Auckland’s part-time roster

Chairman Vuksich stated: “We’re not just playing for points—we’re proving small nations belong on this stage.”

📺 How to Watch

All matches stream live on DAZN in 200+ countries.