Why Auckland City Faced Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup

 June 16, 2025

The Expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Format

In 2025, FIFA significantly transformed the Club World Cup, expanding it from a 7‑team knockout event into a 32‑team tournament with a group stage, echoing the structure of the World Cup  . This global expansion aimed to elevate inclusivity and leverage interest ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America.

Auckland City secured their place as representatives from Oceania, having triumphed in the OFC Champions League multiple times, including the 2025 edition.

Government of slots: The revamped game featured 8 groups of four, mixing teams from different continents. Group C included Bayern Munich (UEFA), Boca Juniors (CONMEBOL), Benfica (UEFA), and Bordeaux representatives from Oceania – Auckland City.

A David vs. Goliath Moment

Auckland City: The Amateur Underdogs

Founded in 2004, Auckland City quickly became the OFC's dominant club, amassing over a dozen OFC titles . Despite their success, the squad remains largely semi-professional—featuring teachers, barbers, salespeople, and even students—and they train part-time around full-time jobs .

Club captain Mario Ilich, a Coca-Cola salesman by day, acknowledged the enormity of the task, admitting that even he felt “a little bit frightened” ahead of facing elite opponents.

Facing European Titans

Bayern Munich entered as the quadruple winners and one of Europe's most decorated clubs, boasting 33 Bundesliga titles and 6 Champions League trophies.

The gap in resources, fitness, and professionalism was clear—Bayern’s players are full-time superstars, while Auckland City trains just a few evenings a week.

Still, Auckland City embraced the experience. Coach Ivan Vicelich, a Club World Cup veteran (bronze medal in 2014), urged players to relish the challenge  

The Match: Record-Breaking Defeat

Final Scoreline: 10‑0

Held at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, the match ended in a 10‑0 rout, which set a new record for the largest margin in Club World Cup history.

Bayern dominated possession (72%) and outshot Auckland by a staggering 31 to 1 .

A flood of goals featured a hat-trick from Jamal Musiala after being introduced in the second half, plus two goals each from Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Michael Olise, along with strikes from Sacha Boey.

Auckland’s Resilience Admired

Despite the rout, Auckland City earned respect for their early defensive discipline and professionalism . Coach Vicelich and players emphasized pride—after all, they were doing it for Oceania.

Implications of the Mismatch

Competitive Balance in the Global Tournament

Critics argue that such mismatches expose flaws in the tournament’s structure. With 32 teams, FIFA hoped to spotlight diverse footballing cultures—but a 10‑0 game raises questions about whether the format sacrifices competitiveness.

Spotlight on Amateur Clubs

For Auckland City, the encounter was more than just a loss—it was a celebratory milestone. Playing against a club with hundreds of millions of followers and global idols offered once-in-a-lifetime exposure.

What’s Next for Group C?

Bayern Munich, fresh off the demolition, now turn to headline matches vs Benfica and Boca Juniors  .

Auckland City, meanwhile, prepare to face Benfica and Boca Juniors, searching for redemption and a chance to showcase their spirit.

The clash between Auckland City and Bayern Munich wasn’t just a game—it was a symbolic encounter showcasing the vast global football spectrum. From the spirit of amateur underdogs to the dominance of professional titans, the match sparked reflection on competitiveness, fairness, and representation in world tournaments. Whether it’s the dawn of a new era or a sign of imbalance, this matchup has left a lasting legacy in the landscape of international club football.