Preparations for the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup, initiated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, continue to stir controversy. The primary concern lies in the selection system for participating teams, which fails to consider the results of the most recent football season. As a result, the reigning champions of the top three European leagues — England’s Liverpool, Spain’s Barcelona, and Italy’s Napoli — will not be taking part in the 2025 tournament, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
In his effort to ensure global representation, Infantino allocated a spot to a team from Oceania — New Zealand’s Auckland City, a club that doesn’t include a single professional footballer. One of its players, forward Angus Kilkolly, also works full-time as a sales manager at a power tool manufacturing company.
In an interview with AFP, Kilkolly revealed the personal challenges this opportunity presents: in order to participate in the Club World Cup, he must take four weeks of unpaid leave, as he has very few paid vacation days remaining.
Auckland City ranks last in all pre-tournament rankings, including team market value. None of its players is worth more than €275,000, with the squad’s total value amounting to just €4.58 million.
Despite limited resources, the team is built on strong community spirit. “Auckland City is a family club where everyone knows everyone. You see the same faces in the stands at every game. Playing in the Club World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Sharing the field with these teams is just insane,” Kilkolly remarked.
Auckland City’s opening match at the 2025 Club World Cup is scheduled for June 15 against Bayern Munich.
Earlier we wrote that Russia and Belarus to compete under flags at Enhanced Games 2026.