Home: Auckland, New Zealand

Coach: Luke Casserly

Already well known to many football fans in the Pacific and beyond, Auckland FC made an immediate impact when they joined the Australian A-League in 2024, finishing top of the league to win the Premiership, before narrowly missing out on a place in the Grand Final.

The team will continue to participate in the A-League, whilst also fielding a side in the new OFC Pro League, as the club’s development goes from strength-to-strength.

Aotearoa has long been the powerhouse of football in Oceania, with both club and national sides enjoying sustained levels of success, including Auckland City FC’s record haul of 13 OFC Men’s Champions League titles, as well as the men’s and women’s national teams qualifying for their respective FIFA World Cups. 

Auckland FC’s immediate success brought with it a sizeable and sustained support, with the club enjoying an average attendance of just over 18,000, nearly 3,000 more than the second-highest in the league, Sydney FC.

Luke Casserly will coach Auckland FC's OFC Pro League side, having previously been appointed coach of Auckland FC Reserves, as well as being a part of the first team support staff.

The hope will be that this swell of support for, and success of football in New Zealand’s largest city will continue with their OFC Pro League side, giving Auckland two professional teams to call their own.