City Embark on Historic FCWC

The Navy Blues left Auckland on Monday, June 2, traveling to the United States, the host nation for this year’s tournament.

The New Zealand club, which has dominated the Oceania Football Confederation for years, will compete in Group C, where they will take on European powerhouse Bayern Munich, Portuguese giants SL Benfica, and South American heavyweights Boca Juniors.

Before their departure, Auckland City FC was honoured with a heartfelt farewell and presentation from Mount Roskill Intermediate, where Principal Kirsten Walsham gifted taonga to Chairman Ivan Vuksich, Captain Mario Ilich, and General Manager Gordon Watson on behalf of the school community.

The ceremony highlighted the strong connection between the club and the local community, reinforcing the shared values of perseverance and excellence.

The farewell also underscored Auckland City FC’s commitment to the Mount Roskill Schools Project, a multi-million dollar initiative aimed at developing a state-of-the-art sports facility for the local community.

This project includes plans for an all-weather playing surface, an administration building, lights, and a warm-up area, ensuring that future generations have access to top-tier football facilities and greater opportunities to pursue the sport at a high level.

Pre-Tournament Friendlies: A Test of Strength

Before their FIFA Club World Cup campaign begins in earnest, Auckland City FC will face two formidable opponents in international friendlies designed to simulate the intensity of the tournament.

• First Friendly: Philadelphia Union vs. Auckland City
  • 📅 Date (Local Time – U.S.): Thursday, June 5, 1:00 PM ET
  • ⏰ Date (New Zealand Time): Friday, June 6, 5:00 AM NZT
  • 📍 Venue: Subaru Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Union, one of Major League Soccer’s most tactically disciplined sides, will provide a stern test for Auckland City. The match will allow the Navy Blues to adjust to the high-paced, physical style of North American football.

• Second Friendly: Al Ain vs. Auckland City
  • 📅 Date (Local Time – U.S.): Monday, June 9, 4:00 PM ET
  • ⏰ Date (New Zealand Time): Tuesday, June 10, 8:00 AM NZT
  • 📍 Venue: Episcopal High School, Alexandria

Auckland City will then take on Al Ain, last year’s Asian Champions League winners and the most successful club in UAE Pro League history. Al Ain famously reached the final of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, and Auckland City will be looking for redemption after their 6-2 loss to Al Ain in last year’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Base Camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Following their friendlies, Auckland City FC will travel to their base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on June 10. The team will train at Baylor School, one of America’s most respected college preparatory institutions.

The state-of-the-art facilities at Baylor School will provide Auckland City with the perfect environment to fine-tune their tactics, recover, and prepare for their FIFA Club World Cup matches. The school’s elite-level training grounds have hosted numerous professional teams, making it an ideal location for Auckland City’s final preparations.

The Challenge Ahead

Auckland City FC faces a daunting task in Group C, where they will go up against some of the most decorated clubs in world football.

• First Match: Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City
  • 📅 Date (Local Time – U.S.): Sunday, June 15, 12:00 PM ET
  • ⏰ Date (New Zealand Time): Monday, June 16, 4:00 AM NZT
  • 📍 Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Second Match: SL Benfica vs. Auckland City
  • 📅 Date (Local Time – U.S.): Friday, June 20, 12:00 PM ET
  • ⏰ Date (New Zealand Time): Saturday, June 21, 4:00 AM NZT
  • 📍 Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
• Third Match: Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors
  • 📅 Date (Local Time – U.S.): Tuesday, June 24, 2:00 PM ET
  • ⏰ Date (New Zealand Time): Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 AM NZT
  • 📍 Venue: Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee

A Historic Moment for New Zealand Football

Auckland City FC’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup marks a significant milestone for New Zealand football. As the only amateur club in the tournament, they will be carrying the hopes of the Oceania region against some of the world’s best teams.

Despite the challenges ahead, Auckland City FC has proven time and again that they can compete on the international stage. Their journey to the United States is not just about football—it’s about representing New Zealand, showcasing the talent within the country, and inspiring future generations of players. How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN

DAZN is offering free access to all FIFA Club World Cup matches. Here’s how you can tune in:

1. Sign up for a free DAZN account – Simply register with your email address. No hidden costs or fees.
2. Download the DAZN App – Available on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device via your app store.
3. Watch on a laptop or PC – Visit www.DAZN.com
4. Log in – Select “Get Started” or “Log In” and enter your email address.
5. Enjoy the matches – You now have access to all of DAZN’s free content, including the FIFA Club World Cup.

Note: If you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, the competition is included in your current membership.

Be part of the FCWC action and get your tickets here https://goto.fifa.com/nxRf/v3zxkz7g 

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