Auckland City FC stands as the sole amateur club in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a credit to their remarkable ascent from local fields in Sandringham, New Zealand, to the global stage.

It might not have been the shot heard around the world but it was a goal that reverbrated 8,000 miles away when Auckland City FC held Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Auckland City FC attend their 1st training session ahead of two friendly matches on the road to the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025, Subaru Park, Chester, Philadelphia, Tuesday 3 June 2025.

Even Auckland City’s local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had “damaged Auckland City FC’s proud 20-year legacy” in FIFA events.

Even the New Zealand Herald, a newspaper based in Auckland, joined the critics, at one point suggesting the Navy Blues had "damaged Auckland City FC's proud 20-year legacy" in FIFA events.

As are the other major New Zealand franchise, Wellington Phoenix.That leaves Auckland City FC competing with clubs from 12 other countries in the region, including New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa ...

No, there are no direct flights. But they convened all the same, a group of just under 30 fans and parents, all supporting Auckland City FC - bleary-eyed and tired-legged - in the 2025 Club World Cup.

Brisbane Roar star Jay O’Shea says an early pre-season test against Auckland FC is just what his hungry teams needs in the ...

Even Auckland City’s local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had “damaged Auckland City FC’s proud 20-year legacy” in FIFA events.

Even Auckland City’s local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had “damaged Auckland City FC’s proud 20-year legacy” in FIFA events.