Auckland welcomes FIFA U20 World Cup stars

Mayor Len Brown says Auckland is ready to welcome the future superstars of football later this year, following the FIFA U20 World Cup draw held at Sky City this evening.

Auckland will host the opening match between New Zealand and Ukraine on Saturday 30 May, New Zealand versus USA on Tuesday 2 June, and a double header involving Panama versus CAF 3 and Ukraine versus USA on Friday 5 June.

“The focus of football fans around the world will be on Auckland once again, following Auckland City FC’s great performance at the FIFA Club World Football championships in Morocco late last year,” says Len Brown.

“This is a unique opportunity for New Zealand football fans to experience world-class football in our backyard, and will hopefully inspire the next generation of All Whites.”

The FIFA U20 World Cup has proved to be a launching pad for many of football’s past and present superstars, with players like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho all starring in previous tournaments.

Many of those participating in the 2015 tournament have already established their reputations in the top leagues in Europe.

All Auckland matches will be played at North Harbour Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies, four pool matches, a quarter and semi-final, the bronze medal playoff and the final. In total 24 countries will play 52 matches at cities around New Zealand.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) will invest $2.45 million from its Major Events Fund towards the hosting of the event.

“The tournament is expected to bring around $8.6 million into Auckland’s economy, resulting in an additional 42,800 international and domestic visitor nights for Auckland,” says Brett O’Riley, ATEED Chief Executive.

It is expected that the FIFA U20 World Cup will generate coverage of Auckland to a worldwide television audience of 200 million people, in almost 200 countries.

For the FIFA U-20 World Cup draw go to www.fifa.com/nz2015

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