CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee - The road from Auckland to Tennessee is a long one, literally and figuratively.
14 June 2025
But for Auckland City FC forward Haris Zeb, the miles are just part of a larger journey that now sees him preparing to take on Bayern Munich in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™️.
“The boys have been putting in a shift,” Zeb says, after several intensive sessions in Chattanooga. “We’re working on things we’ll implement in the games ahead. Spirits are high. Everyone’s buzzing.”
Confidence was boosted by a 4-0 win over Onehunga Mangere United in the Chatham Cup in Auckland before departure and further cemented by a strong performance against MLS outfit Philadelphia Union II.
“That win was important,” says Zeb. “Playing a professional side and implementing our game plan gave us a lot of belief.”
Up next was Al Ain FC, a fellow FIFA Club World Cup™️ participant.
But for Zeb, the focus has remained inward.
“We come from a league where we tend to dominate games. Over here, we have to adapt to a different style and formation. These matches are about testing ourselves and building for what’s to come.”
What comes next is Bayern Munich.
“It’s something that’s been on our minds since the start of the year,” Zeb admits. “We’re counting down the days now. Playing against guys like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala – that’s the dream. As a kid, these are the players you watch.
“Now we’re preparing to face them.”
For Zeb, the significance of the moment runs far deeper than football. When he steps onto the field against Bayern, he will become the first player of Pakistani descent to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup™️.
“It’s hard to put into words,” he says. “Growing up, I never thought something like this was possible. It’s a blessing to represent Auckland City FC, New Zealand, and Pakistan on the world stage.”
That global reach is something he feels acutely.
“The support has been unreal. When I signed for Auckland City FC, it made headlines in Pakistan.
“My parents were proud, and that means everything to me. Even back home in Christchurch, the local Pakistani community has backed me all the way. I get messages from fans all over the world. They make me want to keep pushing.”
With that attention, however, comes pressure. Zeb, a devout Muslim, finds peace and calm through faith.
“We pray five times a day, and that helps me step out of the football bubble and re-centre myself. It’s how I manage the nerves and focus on playing my best.”
As for what would mark the ultimate dream in the United States, Zeb doesn’t hesitate.
“To get a win or a point against Bayern, Benfica or Boca would be huge. But as a forward, getting a goal and helping the team win? That would be the cherry on top.”
In a team full of stories, Haris Zeb’s journey stands out—a story of belief, community, faith, and rising to the world stage from New Zealand’s southern shores to the eyes of the footballing globe.
Ends.
