Auckland City’s Part-Timers Ready to Take on Bayern and Benfica

The Kiwi Part-Timers Taking on the Giants at the Club World Cup

Auckland City, Oceania’s champions, are preparing to face football giants Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States — with a squad made up of estate agents, teachers, students, and office workers.

The New Zealand club, which has won the Oceania Champions League for four consecutive years, is the only non-professional team among the 32 competing sides.

“Nothing to Lose” – Auckland’s Remarkable Journey

England captain Harry Kane scored 26 times in the Bundesliga this season to help Bayern Munich become German champions

“We’re all used to leaving the house in the morning, going to do the day job, and then going and training football at night,” said striker Angus Kilkolly, who works in sales for a power tool company.

Other teammates include real estate agents, teachers, and university students — all now living a dream as they prepare to take on some of the world’s biggest clubs.

Kilkolly added:

“This opportunity might not come around again. All the people around us know how major this event is.”

Group of Giants: Bayern, Benfica & Boca Await

The first game at the Club World Cup is played on 14 June, with the final on 13 July

Auckland City have been drawn into Group C, alongside:

• Bayern Munich (6x European champions)

• Benfica (2x European champions)

• Boca Juniors (6x Copa Libertadores winners)

Their first match is on Sunday against Bayern, followed by Benfica five days later and then Boca.

“To actually step on the same grass as them and compete… it’s a dream,” said Kilkolly.

Historic Underdogs with Club World Cup Experience

Angus Kilkolly has been at Auckland City for four seasons

This will be Auckland’s 12th Club World Cup appearance, the most by any team, with their best finish being third in 2014.

The 2025 tournament marks the competition’s biggest expansion, moving from a seven-team format to 32 teams, including Real Madrid, PSG, Inter, Man City, and Chelsea.

From Monuments to Matchday

Ahead of the tournament, Auckland spent time sightseeing in Washington D.C., visiting the White House and national monuments.

“It was cool… to see these places we only really see on TV,” said Kilkolly.

Despite the magnitude of the challenge, the striker believes in his team’s ability to compete and surprise.

“Underdog Mentality” Fuels Motivation

Kilkolly, 29, has faced personal hardships after losing his brother and father in recent years.

“It enhances your perspective on life. You don’t wait — you take every opportunity,” he shared.

The Kiwi underdog spirit runs deep in the squad. As Kilkolly put it:

“The Kiwi attitude is the underdog on the global stage. We’re going to work hard and hopefully leave with our heads held high.”