Auckland City FC team guide: History, trophies won and notable former players of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup club

Probably the team that is the least known of all 32 clubs in the competition, Auckland City FC are looking to turn some heads in the United States.

While they may not have the global notoriety of some of the other clubs in the Club World Cup, what Auckland do have is experience in this competition as they gear up for their 13th appearance.

DAZN is the only place to watch every match of the Club World Cup live and for free - download the free app now for smart TVs, smartphones, streaming devices and games consoles to start watching.

DAZN News has everything you need to know about Auckland City. 

Auckland City FC team guide

Location

Located in the northern portion of New Zealand, Auckland is the biggest city in the country and fifth-largest in Oceania.

The club’s home ground, Kiwitea Street, is nestled in the heart of Auckland.

Origin

ACFC are a relatively new side that has only been around for a bit more than two decades, having been founded in 2004.

The club quickly established themselves on the domestic scene, winning the league title within a year of their inception.

Nicknames

• City
• The Navy Blues 

Trophies won

• New Zealand National League (10)
• Chatham Cup (1)
• ASB Charity Cup (7)
• OFC Champions League (12)
• OFC President’s Cup (1)

Auckland City FC are the undeniable giants of New Zealand with 10 league titles since their inception. They have also translated that dominance to the continental stage, winning a dozen OFC Champions League titles.

Notable former players

• James Pritchett (2005-2011 and 2012-2016)
• Paul Urlovic (2005-2009)
• Michael Boxall (2006-2007)
• Micah Lea'alafa (2015-2019)
• Roy Krishna (2013)
• Cameron Howieson (2017-2024)

Unsurprisingly, ACFC’s most notable former players are mostly from New Zealand and the surrounding region.

Top scorer (2025 Northern League) - Myer Bevan (2 goals)

The well-travelled Kiwi, now on his fourth stint with the club, leads the way with two goals so far in the 2025 season.

Manager - Paul Posa (NZL) 

Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Auckland City FC have appointed the man who led them to one of their best-ever performances in the competition, Paul Posa, who previously managed the club from 2008-2010. 

He returned to the club in January ahead of the 2025 season, having previously won the OFC Champions League and National League titles as boss.  

How Auckland City FC qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 

The Navy Blues’ continental dominance paid off for them as they qualified as the best OFC Champions League winners in the OFC 4-year ranking. 

Auckland City FC group, schedule at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 

Auckland City have been drawn into Group C, alongside Bayern Munich (Germany), Benfica (Portugal) and Boca Juniors (Argentina).

2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Sign up now for a free DAZN account to watch the Club World Cup, starting on Saturday, June 14.

Or, if you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, then the tournament is part of your current membership.

A DAZN Freemium account costs nothing and provides access to action across football, boxing, NFL, golf, motorsports, basketball, padel and more*.

Free TV Channels include Matchroom Boxing, PGA Tour, PowerSports World, Billiard TV and Padel Time TV*.

You only need an email address to register for a Freemium account, with no hidden costs.

Join now to watch the FIFA Club World Cup and other sport for free on DAZN. Sign up here.

*Sports and channels dependant on country of residence

More Club World Cup

• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixtures, groups, schedule, venues
• The wonder kids to watch out for at FIFA Club World Cup
• Ten legends to star at FIFA Club World Cup
• FIFA Club World Cup: The continental champions looking for world glory
• A guide to the 12 US Club World Cup venues
• How to watch the Club World Cup on DAZN