Auckland FC opened their 2026/27 A-League Men campaign with a 3-1 victory over Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium on Saturday, with New Zealand international Lachlan Bayliss scoring twice on his league debut for the Black Knights. The 23-year-old midfielder produced a spectacular long-range goal to open the scoring before restoring Auckland’s advantage in theContinue reading “Bayliss scores stunning long-range goal and brace as Auckland FC defeat Melbourne City in A-League opener”
Tag Archives: Auckland FC
Fiji trio gain professional football experience with Auckland FC through OFC placement programme
Three Fijian footballers are gaining further exposure to professional football in New Zealand, with Maikah Dau, Ryan Naresh and Sterling Vasconcellos taking part in a training programme with A-League club Auckland FC. The players are participating in the OFC Player Placement Programme 2026, accompanied by Fiji national assistant coach Marika Rodu. According to the FijiContinue reading “Fiji trio gain professional football experience with Auckland FC through OFC placement programme”
Perth Glory hand Matt Ellis A-League opportunity after Auckland City and OFC Pro League journey
New Zealand winger Matt Ellis has taken another major step in his career after joining Perth Glory’s A-League Men squad, adding another Kiwi to the Australian top flight ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 25-year-old arrives in Western Australia with considerable experience in New Zealand and Oceania football, most notably through his time with AucklandContinue reading “Perth Glory hand Matt Ellis A-League opportunity after Auckland City and OFC Pro League journey”
Same badge, different team: Auckland FC’s FIFA debut raises uncomfortable questions over OFC Pro League credibility
Auckland FC’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Saudi giants Al-Ahli in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup was, on the pitch, a respectable first appearance on the global stage. The New Zealand club competed well against the AFC Champions League Elite winners and remained in the contest until the end in Jeddah. Yet the match also exposed anContinue reading “Same badge, different team: Auckland FC’s FIFA debut raises uncomfortable questions over OFC Pro League credibility”
Auckland FC’s A-League champions take Oceania to FIFA stage but fall narrowly to Al-Ahli
Auckland FC’s first appearance on the FIFA stage ended in defeat, but the New Zealand professional side produced a competitive performance against the champions of Asia, falling only 1-0 to Al-Ahli in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Jeddah. Saleh Abu Al-Shamat scored the only goal of the night in theContinue reading “Auckland FC’s A-League champions take Oceania to FIFA stage but fall narrowly to Al-Ahli”
Newly formed Auckland FC announces massive signing ahead of debut A-League season
The new expansion club set to compete in the A-League, Auckland FC of New Zealand, has announced a significant addition to their roster: Hiroki Sakai. The 34-year-old Japanese right-back becomes the club’s first international signing, adding a touch of international experience to the squad. Sakai, whose last club was Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan’s J1Continue reading “Newly formed Auckland FC announces massive signing ahead of debut A-League season”
