Auckland City FC Arrive In Cairo

Friday 12 September 2025

CAIRO, Egypt – Auckland City FC have arrived in Cairo ahead of their FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™opener against African champions Pyramids FC.

The squad touched down after wrapping up a four-day intensive training camp in the UAE, where they battled soaring temperatures and fine-tuned their tactics.

Now settling into the Egyptian capital, the Navy Blues have their sights firmly set on Sunday’s FIFA African-Asian-Pacific-Cup™ showdown at the iconic 30 June Stadium.

The match kicks off on 14 September at 9pm local time (Monday, 15 September at 6am NZT), with the winner advancing to the second round to face reigning Asian champions, Al Ahli.

Underdogs on paper but brimming with confidence, Auckland City FC arrive in Cairo fully prepared and ready to rise to the challenge. The call has come and the Navy Blues have answered.

From Desert Heat to Cairo Nights

After several intense days of acclimatisation and tactical drills in the UAE, the squad is battle-ready.

Striker Myer Bevan, speaking after the final session in Abu Dhabi, summed up the mood:

Despite the heat and the challenge ahead, Bevan emphasised the team’s confidence and resilience:

“We’re going to go into the game with 100% confidence to get a result. They’re a very good team, but anything can happen on the day.”

The Challenge Ahead: Pyramids FC

Sunday’s fixture at the 30 June Stadium pits Auckland City FC against a formidable opponent.

Pyramids FC, fresh off their CAF Champions League triumph, are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.

But Auckland City FC, no strangers to international competition, are embracing their underdog status with grit and optimism.

“We’ve played in big games this year,” Bevan noted. “We have to go into that game thinking, ‘what if?’ We know it’s going to be hard, but we’ve made adjustments accordingly.”

Cairo Calling: The Real Test Awaits

Next up, Auckland City FC face African champions Pyramids FC in a sudden-death playoff at Cairo’s iconic 30 June Stadium.

The match, set for Sunday, September 14 at 9pm local time, marks the opening clash of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025.

Head coach Paul Posa and his staff, including assistant coaches Ivan Vicelich and Adria Casals, have worked tirelessly to adapt Auckland City’s New Zealand playing style to the demands of international club football.

With a squad that blends experience and youthful energy, the team remains focused on precision and composure.

What’s at Stake

Victory in Cairo would send Auckland City FC into the second round, where Asia’s top club, Al Ahli, awaits.

For a team still stung by last year’s 6–2 defeat to Al Ain, this tournament offers a shot at redemption and a chance to prove that Oceania’s finest can stand tall on the global stage.

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