Auckland City FC stands as the sole amateur club in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a credit to their remarkable ascent from local fields in Sandringham, New Zealand, to the global stage.

It might not have been the shot heard around the world but it was a goal that reverbrated 8,000 miles away when Auckland City FC held Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Auckland City FC attend their 1st training session ahead of two friendly matches on the road to the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025, Subaru Park, Chester, Philadelphia, Tuesday 3 June 2025.

Goalkeeper Oli Sail has joined Auckland FC in a bid to reclaim his place as the All Whites No 1 before next year’s World Cup.

One thing that needs to be established early -- and a hurdle that has already encountered numerous times by Auckland City's players and staff this week -- is that they are not Auckland FC.

Even Auckland City’s local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had “damaged Auckland City FC’s proud 20-year legacy” in FIFA events.

Even the New Zealand Herald, a newspaper based in Auckland, joined the critics, at one point suggesting the Navy Blues had "damaged Auckland City FC's proud 20-year legacy" in FIFA events.

Cosgrove's arrival means Corica has a full complement of attackers to call on with recent arrival Lachlan Brook joining Logan ...

Even Auckland City’s local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had “damaged Auckland City FC’s proud 20-year legacy” in FIFA events.

Even Auckland City’s local paper, the New Zealand Herald, joined the critics, suggesting the team had “damaged Auckland City FC’s proud 20-year legacy” in FIFA events.