Auckland City: Oceania’s Powerhouse Faces Global Challenge at New Club World Cup

The expanded Club World Cup is giving Auckland City, Oceania’s most dominant club in the 21st century, another shot at the global stage. Founded in 2004, the New Zealand side has quickly built an unmatched legacy, winning an impressive 13 OFC Champions League titles. That includes a historic seven-year streak from 2011 to 2017, and another dominant run of four consecutive titles from 2022 through 2025. Their latest triumph came this year after a victory over Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United in the final.

While they’ve clearly outclassed regional competition, stepping up to the world stage is a whole different ballgame.

Thanks to those continental victories, Auckland City became a regular feature in the old Club World Cup format. Their best showing came in 2014 when they made a surprise run to third place, after falling to San Lorenzo in the semi-finals and then beating Cruz Azul on penalties in the third-place match.

This time around, the challenge is even steeper. Auckland has been drawn into a group alongside European giants Bayern Munich and Benfica, as well as Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors. Earning even a single point from this group would be considered a big achievement.

A Spanish Influence and a Coaching Shake-Up

Auckland City’s recent success has been heavily shaped by Spanish influence, most notably Albert Riera Vidal. Not to be confused with the former Liverpool and Espanyol player, Riera played for Auckland between 2011 and 2021, winning three OFC titles. As head coach, he added three more Champions League trophies and two domestic league titles to the club’s cabinet before stepping down in January to focus on his family and further coaching education.

Taking his place was Paul Posa, returning to the club 15 years after his first stint (2008–2010), during which he also led Auckland to continental glory and a fifth-place Club World Cup finish. Posa immediately picked up where Riera left off, guiding the team to another OFC title on 12 April.

However, Posa won’t be on the sidelines in the United States. Auckland City announced last week that he won’t be making the trip due to personal reasons. In his absence, a group of assistants, Ivan Vicelich, Kim Dae-wook, Jonas Hoffmann, and Spaniard Adrià Casals, will lead the team.

Who to Watch: Key Players

While Auckland City understandably lacks the depth and star power of their elite opponents, a few standout players could help them stay competitive.

Leading the attack is 27-year-old New Zealand striker Myer Bevan, known for his physicality and goal-scoring instincts. A senior international, Bevan scored twice in April’s OFC Champions League final and also found the net against Al-Ain in the Intercontinental Playoff. He’ll be Auckland’s main offensive weapon, supported by Colombian winger Lagos Giraldo.

Behind them, Rwandan-born playmaker Dylan Manickum adds creativity and scoring threat from midfield. He’s tallied 40 goals across seven seasons with the club. Holding things down in the middle is defensive midfielder Mario Ilich, now in his ninth season with Auckland. He’ll have a huge task ahead against clubs like Bayern and Benfica. Alongside him, expect either Jackson Manuel, a young talent formerly with Wellington Phoenix, or Spaniard Gerard Garriga, who started in the recent OFC final and brings more attacking flair.

Group Stage Fixtures

Matchday 1: Bayern Munich

• Date: Sunday, 15 June

• Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati

• Note: This will be the first time Auckland City has ever faced a European club in an official match.

Matchday 2: Benfica

• Date: Friday, 20 June

• Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando

• Note: Another elite European test as Auckland tries to stay in contention.

Matchday 3: Boca Juniors

• Date: Tuesday, 24 June

• Venue: Geodis Park, Nashville

• Note: The last time Auckland faced an Argentinian side was in 2014, when they lost 2–1 to San Lorenzo in the semi-finals.

Despite the uphill battle, Auckland City is ready to embrace the challenge—and if history is any indication, they might just spring a surprise or two.