NADI, Fiji - Auckland City FC launch their OFC Champions League campaign on Monday in Lautoka, taking on Solomon Islands champions Central Coast FC in Group A as they chase a record‑extending 14th title and fifth consecutive crown.
9 August 2026
Head Coach Rudy Mozr spoke with conviction at the official press conference, highlighting the squad’s readiness and the importance of setting the tone early.
“We’re excited to be here, the spirit in the squad is positive, and everyone is healthy and ready to play,” Mozr said.
He acknowledged the challenges of the group stage but insisted the Navy Blues are prepared to adapt quickly and rise to the occasion.
Captain Mario Ilich echoed that confidence after the team’s first training session in Fiji. “Good to finally be here… great conditions, not too hot today, pitches not too bad, so good to get on the ground and get some passes around with the boys,” he said.
Ilich stressed the pride in representing Oceania, New Zealand and Auckland City, and underlined the need for a strong start.
“Solomon teams are very technical, they like to keep the ball. It should be a great game for the neutral, but we’ll look to get a grip early and keep possession. It’s really important to start well in these competitions — it sets you up for the rest of the group.”
Central Coast arrive with renewed strength. Returning to the OFC Men’s Champions League for a third time, they have welcomed nine players from Pro League club Solomon Kings FC, including Rafa Lea’i, Fordney Junior, Bobby Leslie and Junior David.
Head coach Jacob Moli said their arrival has transformed the squad: “Their return has changed the mood of the club. They’ve lifted the standard of training and it’s good to have them in the team.”
Preparation has been complicated by a late start to the Solomon Islands S‑League, but Central Coast have responded with two wins from two matches.
“We’ll give this tournament everything we have and treat every match like a final. That’s the attitude we’ll carry throughout our campaign,” Moli said.
Auckland City, meanwhile, bring formidable pedigree. The Navy Blues have only ever lost nine matches in the competition and are unbeaten in 27 fixtures dating back to the 2019 semi‑finals.
Now, with history beckoning, they begin the defence of their crown in pursuit of a 14th title and fifth in succession.
The Navy Blues kick off their campaign on Monday 10 August at 3:00pm NZT at Churchill Park, Lautoka. The match will be streamed live at the Kiwitea Street clubrooms, with doors opening at 2:30pm.
How to Watch
The 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League will be streamed live and free on FIFA+, delivered through the DAZN platform, giving fans around the world access to every match in the competition live from Fiji.
Supporters can watch by signing in to DAZN with a FIFA ID. If you don’t already have one, you can create a FIFA ID during the sign-in process.
Match Schedule — Fiji 2026
MATCH DETAILS
OFC Champions League 2026 – Group A
Central Coast FC (SOL) vs Auckland City FC
Monday 10 August 2026
Kick‑off: 3:00 PM
Churchill Park, Lautoka FIJI
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
PHYSIO: Zara ELLIS
TEAM MANAGER: Keith COTON
