ABU DHABI, UAE - After a gruelling 17-hour flight and a two-hour bus ride, Auckland City FC have touched down in the UAE, swapping Auckland’s winter chill for the searing heat of Abu Dhabi.
9 September 2025
But there’s no time for jet lag, the Navy Blues are already grinding on the training pitch, eyes locked on friendly test in Dubai followed by a high-stakes Intercontinental Cup showdown against Pyramids FC in Cairo.
Dubai Test: FC United vs Auckland City FC
Wednesday, 6pm local time – Dubai Sports City
The Navy Blues’s first assignment is a warm-up match against UAE side FC United, coached by none other than Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. This friendly isn’t just a runaround, it’s a tactical litmus test and a vital chance to acclimatise to Middle Eastern conditions.
Vice-captain Adam Mitchell emphasised the importance of theme, calling it “crucial” for sharpening the squad’s edge against a “physical team” they’ve battled before.
“It’s very, very hot,” Mitchell admitted, “but we’ll be ready come game day.”
With the squad still adjusting to the heat and time zone, this fixture offers a chance to simulate the intensity and tempo they’ll face in Cairo.
Cairo Calling: Intercontinental Cup Playoff vs Pyramids FC
Sunday, September 14 – 9pm local time – 30 June Stadium, Cairo
The real test awaits in Egypt. Auckland City FC, Oceania’s reigning champions, will face African powerhouse Pyramids FC in a sudden-death playoff that kicks off the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025.
The stakes? A ticket to the second round against Asia’s top club, Al Ahli.
Pyramids FC, crowned African Champions League winners in April, are no strangers to pressure. Their meteoric rise since 2018 makes them one of the continent’s most formidable sides.
But Auckland City, fresh off their OFC triumph and National League qualification, are hungry for redemption after last year’s 6–2 defeat to Al Ain.
Mitchell remains optimistic:
“We’ve got a great training base here… we’re recovering well, preparing well… doing everything right.”
With a week of acclimatisation, a warm-up against Pirlo’s FC United, and a squad seasoned by international travel, Auckland City are set and ready for their next international test.
The desert heat may be punishing, but the Navy Blues are battle-hardened and ready to write a new chapter in their global journey.
AC INTERCONTINENTAL CUP SQUAD: 2. Mario ILICH (c), 3. Adam MITCHELL, 4. Christian GRAY, 5. Nikko BOXALL, 7. Myer BEVAN, 8. Gerard GARRIGA, 10. Dylan MANICKUM, 12. Jeremy FOO, 13. Nathan LOBO, 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jackson MANUEL, 16. Paris DOMFEH, 17. Jerson LAGOS, 18. Sebastian CIGANDA (GK), 19. Dylan CONNOLLY, 20. Matthew ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL, 22. Tong ZHOU, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK), 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB.
HEAD COACH: PAUL POSA
ASSISTANT COACH: Ivan VICELICH
ASSISTANT COACH: Adria CASALS
GK COACH: Jonas HOFFMANN
PHYSIO: Matt PAYNE
PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
Ends
