AUCKLAND, NZ - Auckland City FC have confirmed a 23‑man squad for the 2026 OFC Champions League as the Navy Blues prepare to depart for Fiji on Friday morning.
4 August 2026
City open their campaign on Sunday, 10 August, facing Central Coast FC in Lautoka — the first step in a push for a fifth consecutive continental title.
This year’s squad carries a familiar blend of experience, continuity, and fresh energy.
It is a group shaped by long‑serving Navy Blues, returning players, new arrivals who have already made an impact, and emerging talent stepping onto the continental stage for the first time.
A Squad Built on Experience, Continuity and New Energy
Auckland City’s 2026 OFC Champions League squad is built on a strong core of experience.
Captain Mario Ilich, Ryan De Vries, Dylan Manickum, Alfie Rogers, and Gerard Garriga form the backbone of the group — long‑serving Navy Blues who have shaped the club’s identity across domestic titles, continental campaigns, and international tournaments.
A significant part of the squad also carries deep Navy Blues experience, including FIFA Club World Cup involvement with Auckland City.
Christian Gray, Jeremy Foo, Nikko Boxall, Michael den Heijer, Nathan Lobo, and Matt Ellis were all part of last year’s global campaign, bringing valuable international exposure and big‑game temperament.
Within that group, Gray, den Heijer, Lobo, and Ellis arrive sharpened by their recent stint in the OFC Pro League.
They are joined by several 2026 arrivals who have blended in seamlessly.
The Czech duo — Michal Doudera and Pavel Osmancik — have already made a notable impact with their European sharpness and tactical maturity.
Players such as Nathan Rostron, Ryan Watson, Tom Golding, Shaan Anand, Rhys Davies and Fergus Gillion, who also brings OFC Pro League experience from his time with Bula FC, have integrated brilliantly and become important parts of Rudy Mozr’s evolving team structure.
There is also room for rising talent: Bono Kacurov, stepping up from the U‑23s, earns his place in the travelling squad after a strong domestic campaign and continued development within the club’s pathway.
In goal, new signing Matthew Foord, also from Pro League side Bula FC, will be supported by Cam Brown and Ari Prasad, forming a balanced and competitive goalkeeping unit.
Unavailable Senior Players
Auckland City also acknowledges several senior players who were unavailable for selection due to work commitments or private life responsibilities — a reality of the environment the club operates in.
Those unavailable include: Vice-captain Adam Mitchell, Angus Kilkolly, Regont Murati, and Tong Zhou.
Rudy Mozr on the Squad and the Challenge Ahead
Head coach Rudy Mozr says the squad reflects both the realities of the club’s environment and the excitement of a new campaign:
“Unfortunately few players weren’t available for selection due to work commitments and not being able to take the required time away. Of course, that’s not ideal and we would have loved to have everyone available, but it’s also the reality of the environment we operate in and something we have to respect and deal with.
At the same time, we have a lot of belief in the group that is travelling. It gives other players an opportunity to step up, take responsibility and show what they can do on this stage.
We have a bit younger squad this year compared to previous years, when the group was probably made up of more experienced players. There are also a number of new players who haven’t experienced the OFC Champions League before, but at the same time we are fortunate to have many players who have been through this competition and understand what it takes.
I think we have a good mix within the squad. The experienced players will have an important role to play in helping the younger players, and there’s a real sense of excitement within the group. Everyone understands what it means to represent Auckland City in this competition, and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Ends
OCL SQUAD: 1. Cam BROWN (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nathan ROSTRON 6. Nikko BOXALL 7. Michal DOUDERA 8. Gerard GARRIGA 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Shan ANAND 15. Jeremy FOO 17. Ryan WATSON 19. Rhys DAVIES 18. Ari PRASAD (GK) 20. Pavel OSMANCIK 21. Bono KACUROV 23. Alfie ROGERS 24. Matt FOORD (GK) 25. Mike Den HEIJER, 26. Matt ELLIS 27. Tom GOLDING 30 Ari PRASAD
HEAD COACH: Rudy MOZR
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Alan SHAKER
GOALKEEPER COACH: Adam BANNISTER
TRAINER: Karlo PAVIC
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
HYSIO: Zara ELLIS
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
