Auckland City FC vs Bayern Munich
FIFA Club World Cup – 4am NZT, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati

When it comes to David vs Goliath football match-ups, they don’t get much bigger than this: 33-time Bundesliga champions and global powerhouse Bayern Munich taking on National League Championship winners and OFC Men’s Champions League holders Auckland City FC.

A Bayern squad valued at over a billion dollars, spearheaded by England captain and all-time top scorer Harry Kane, faces an amateur team from Sandringham, Auckland.

On paper, it’s no contest. But Auckland City have pedigree on this stage – most notably a historic third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite their amateur status, the Navy Blues are seasoned campaigners in international club football and will relish their underdog status.

Assistant coach Ivan Vicelich knows the scale of the challenge:

“We’re realistic. We understand the qualities you need to be able to perform at the very top. The most important thing for us was qualifying – performing really well over the last two or three years and getting to the tournament. Now that we’re there, we’re going to try and prepare as best we can.”

That nothing-to-lose mentality could be dangerous for Bayern, particularly at the tail end of a long European season while it is still mid campaign for Auckland City. 

 

Player to Watch: Michael Olise

The Bayern No. 17 has enjoyed a breakout season in Bavaria following his estimated €60 million move from Crystal Palace last year. While Kane is the one racking up the goals, Olise is the creative engine behind him – an elegant and elusive attacking midfielder capable of unlocking any defence.


Where to Watch:

Catch the action live on DAZN from 4am NZT.

Article added: Sunday 15 June 2025