AUCKLAND, NZ - Auckland City FC, Oceania’s reigning champions, are set to depart New Zealand on Sunday, September 7, as they begin their campaign for the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
6 September 2025
Their destination: Cairo, Egypt, where they’ll face African champions Pyramids FC in a high-stakes, sudden-death first-round clash on Monday, September 15 (NZT).
Before arriving in Egypt, the Navy Blues will make a crucial stop in the Abu Dhabi to acclimatise to Middle Eastern conditions. On September 11 (NZT), they’ll take on Dubai-based UAE club FC United in a friendly fixture. The match promises added intrigue, with FC United coached by none other than Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo. This warm-up encounter will serve as both a tactical tune-up and a test of endurance ahead of the Cairo showdown.
Fresh off their qualification for the Men’s National League last weekend, Auckland City faces a rapid transition between domestic and international duties. Their Intercontinental Cup tie doubles as pre-season preparation for the National League, which kicks off the weekend of September 27–28.
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup, now in its second edition, features champions from each of FIFA’s six confederations. Auckland City earned their spot by winning the OFC Men’s Champions League in the Solomon Islands in April 2025.
This year’s tournament lineup includes:
- Pyramids FC (Africa) – Egyptian Premier League runners-up and newly crowned African Champions League winners
- Al Ahli (Asia) – Saudi Arabia’s top club
- Cruz Azul (CONCACAF) – Mexican giants
- Paris Saint-Germain (Europe) – French powerhouse
- Copa Libertadores winner (South America) – TBD in November
Should Auckland City prevail against Pyramids FC, they’ll advance to face Al Ahli in the second round. The competition is part of FIFA’s revamped global club structure, replacing the former Club World Cup with a streamlined knockout format.
Last year, Auckland City’s Intercontinental Cup run ended in disappointment with a 6–2 loss to UAE’s Al Ain. This time, they’ll be hoping for redemption and a deeper run in the tournament.
Pyramids FC, their first-round opponents, are a formidable side. Founded in 2018, they’ve quickly risen to prominence, clinching their first African Champions League title in April 2025 with a 3–2 aggregate win over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
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