Auckland City Embraces Underdog Role at Club World Cup

Posted : 15 June 2025

Auckland City’s journey to the 2025 Club World Cup has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. While the tournament is typically dominated by the powerhouse clubs of Europe and South America, the New Zealand outfit, composed mostly of amateurs with full-time jobs, brings a grassroots story to the global spotlight.

The team was drawn into a daunting group alongside German champions Bayern Munich, Portugal’s Benfica, and Argentina’s Boca Juniors. Despite bookmakers offering 2,500-to-1 odds for them to win, the players remain determined to represent amateur teams globally with pride and resilience.

The team operates as a true community club. Its players, including hairstylists, real estate agents, and engineers, balance regular day jobs with evening training and weekend matches. Their home ground, Kiwity Street Stadium, seats just 3,000 fans—far from the capacity and glamour of their upcoming opponents’ venues.

Vice-captain Adam Mitchell and winger Dylan Manicum, both balancing careers outside football, exemplify the passion that fuels the squad. Their assistant coach, Adria Casales, describes the tournament as a rare chance for personal and collective growth in a journey that few amateur teams experience.

Despite their humble profile, Auckland City is a dominant force in Oceania, winning ten New Zealand titles and 13 OFC Champions League trophies since 2004.

Their Club World Cup history includes a famous 2014 run to the semi-finals, where they defeated teams from Morocco and Algeria before narrowly falling to Argentina’s San Lorenzo. Their 11 appearances at the Club World Cup make them the most experienced team in tournament history, ahead of even Real Madrid.

On the field, key players like captain Mario Ilić and striker Meyer Bevan offer hope. Ilić, a steady midfield presence, and Bevan, who has represented New Zealand internationally and played abroad, bring valuable experience.

Their opening match against Bayern Munich highlights the stark financial and competitive disparity between the two clubs—with Bayern’s squad worth over €900 million compared to Auckland’s €4.5 million. Yet, the players see this as more than a challenge; it’s a dream come true.

Still, controversy surrounds the financial aspect of their participation. While FIFA’s prize money for the team totals around $3.58 million, the New Zealand Football Association will retain the majority, leaving Auckland City with just $180,000—barely enough to cover travel expenses. “We try to leave the money concerns to others,” said team official Watson. “For us, this is about something bigger than money—it’s about fulfilling childhood dreams and proving that amateur footballers can stand on the world stage.”

Auckland City Embraces Underdog Role at Club World Cup

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