FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Arrives in Auckland

Football History Comes to New Zealand as FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Lands in Auckland

New Zealand football fans are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup Trophy arrives in Auckland next week. The silverware, symbolizing the pinnacle of global club football, is making its way to Aotearoa as part of a worldwide tour leading up to the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025™.

The trophy will be on display at various locations across Auckland from March 13-15, with a standout public viewing event scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at Kiwitea Street, home of Auckland City FC.

This event holds special significance as Auckland City FC gears up to represent Oceania on the world stage, facing football giants such as Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

A Landmark Occasion for Auckland City FC

Auckland City FC Chairperson Ivan Vuksich describes the trophy’s arrival as a milestone for both the club and New Zealand football.

“This is a landmark occasion for our club and our confederation. Competing in the FIFA Club World Cup is a historic achievement, and bringing the trophy to Auckland allows our players, supporters, and the football community to be part of the journey,” says Vuksich.

“We hope that supporters will take this chance to see the trophy up close and feel connected to the global stage we’re about to step onto.”

A Symbol of Global Football Excellence

Designed by Tiffany & Co., the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy is a masterpiece of football prestige. Crafted with a 24-carat gold-plated finish, the trophy features intricate engravings of the world map, the names of all 211 FIFA Member Associations, and inscriptions in multiple languages, including Braille.

Auckland is one of the final international stops on the trophy’s 140-day global tour, which spans 29 cities across 20 countries, before returning to the United States for the tournament’s grand kickoff in June. Notably, New Zealand will host the trophy for three days, making it the longest stop in the Pacific region.

FIFA Club World Cup Trophy: Auckland Events Schedule

The trophy’s Auckland visit will include a series of exclusive events, celebrating football from grassroots to the international stage:

Thursday, March 13

• A formal pōwhiri at Ōrākei Marae, led by Ngāti Whātua, to welcome the trophy to Aotearoa.

Friday, March 14

• A media showcase at the Sky Tower, featuring the trophy against Auckland’s iconic skyline.
• A football festival at Mount Roskill Intermediate School, inspiring young Kiwi footballers.

Saturday, March 15

• A fan engagement event at Kiwitea Street, allowing supporters to take photos with the trophy and meet Auckland City FC players.
• Auckland City FC vs. Tauranga City FC (Northern League match at 3:00 PM NZST).

International Media Spotlight on Auckland City FC

The significance of this event has attracted international media attention, with FIFA’s Trophy Tour team documenting the journey. Two FIFA film crews and multiple global media outlets will follow Auckland City FC’s preparations as they embark on their historic campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025™.

Vuksich emphasizes the broader impact of the event:

“For us, this is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to celebrate football at every level in our community. From our senior players preparing to take on world-class opposition to young kids at Mount Roskill Intermediate dreaming of their own football journey, this trophy represents inspiration, achievement, and the global reach of our sport.”

FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025™: A Historic Challenge Awaits

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ kicks off on June 14 in the United States, where Auckland City FC will face a monumental opening match against six-time UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich on June 15.

Football fans are encouraged to visit Kiwitea Street on March 15 for a rare chance to see the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy in person and rally behind Auckland City FC as they embark on their greatest challenge yet.

About Auckland City FC

Founded in 2004, Auckland City FC is New Zealand’s most successful club, competing in the Northern League, National League Championship, and Chatham Cup, as well as the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions League. Based at Kiwitea Street, Sandringham, the club has dominated Oceania football and now steps onto the global stage at the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025™.

For more details on the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour in New Zealand, visit FIFA.com.