Soccer
How did Auckland City qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
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Auckland City will look to spring a shock or two as the biggest outsiders among the playing field when they fly halfway around the globe for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The New Zealand outfit, not even the biggest team in their home city, have benefitted from their national league remaining in the OFC while Australia has joined the AFC.
That means Auckland are a familiar face at the Club World Cup, having finished third at the 2014 edition, though they know they face a difficult task this time around.
But just how did they seal their berth for the revamped Club World Cup, set to take place across the United States between June and July this year? DAZN News has all the information.
How did Auckland City qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Auckland City are the only OFC team competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and qualify as the best OFC Champions League winners in the four-year ranking period.
One of the most familiar faces at the tournament, their latest success in the competition has secured them a record-extending 12th slot at this year's tournament.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Auckland City schedule
Auckland City have been drawn into Group C, alongside Bayern Munich (Germany), Benfica (Portugal) and Boca Juniors (Argentina).
In order to reach the knockout stages, they must first successfully navigate this opening stage where the top two teams from each group will qualify.
Group C
| Date | KO (Local) | Fixture | Venue |
| June 15 | 12:00 p.m. EDT | Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati |
| June 20 | 12:00 p.m. EDT | Benfica vs. Auckland City | Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando |
| June 24 | 2:00 p.m. CDT | Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors | Geodis Park, Nashville |
When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will begin on Saturday, June 14 when Inter Miami takes on Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at MetLife Stadium.
- Group Stage: Saturday, June 14 - Thursday, June 26
- Round of 16: Saturday, June 28 - Tuesday, July 1
- Quarter-finals: Friday, July 4 - Saturday, July 5
- Semi-finals: Tuesday, July 8 - Wednesday, July 9
- Final: Sunday, July 13
How many teams are playing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
In total 32 teams will be competing at the Club World Cup with all international federations represented.
Inter Miami have also been give a place at the tournament as a result of the United States being the hosts.
| Asian Football Confederation (AFC) | Confederation of African Football (CAF) | Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) | South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) | Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) | Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) |
| Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) | Al Ahly | LAFC (USA) | Boca Juniors (Argentina) | Auckland City (New Zealand) | Atletico Madrid (Spain) |
| Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) | Esperance de Tunis | Monterrey (Mexico) | Botafogo (Brazil) | Bayern Munich (Germany) | |
| Ulsan HD (South Korea) | Mamelodi Sundowns | Pachuca (Mexico) | Flamengo (Brazil) | Benfica (Portugal) | |
| Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan | Wydad AC | Seattle Sounders (USA) | Fluminense (Brazil) | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) | |
| Inter Miami (USA)* | Palmeiras (Brazil) | Chelsea (England) | |||
| River Plate (Argentina) | Inter Milan (Italy) | ||||
| Juventus (Italy) | |||||
| Manchester City (England) | |||||
| Paris Saint-Germain (France) | |||||
| Porto (Portugal) | |||||
| Real Madrid (Spain) | |||||
| Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) |
*denotes host club
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