Auckland prepares for Tottenham Hotspur friendly at Eden Park
Tottenham Hotspur Arrives in Auckland
Tottenham Hotspur has arrived in Auckland for a pre-season friendly against Auckland FC at Eden Park. The match is scheduled for Sunday, with kickoff at 3pm local time in New Zealand. This timing translates to 4am in the UK. The club has brought a squad of 35 players for the trip, suggesting that many different players could feature during the 90 minutes of the game.
Ahead of the match, Tottenham Hotspur coaches have been conducting football clinics across Auckland throughout the week. These sessions were designed to be inclusive, aiming to adapt the club’s football philosophy so that every player could participate. Over 100 young local players have taken part in these clinics, with many expressing excitement about meeting the players and enjoying the experience.
Shannon Moloney, a global football development coach for Tottenham Hotspur, noted the growth of football in New Zealand since his previous visit in 2023. He mentioned a statistic indicating that more children under the age of 10 are now playing football than rugby, highlighting the sport’s increasing legacy in the country. Moloney stated that being in New Zealand and showcasing what they do at Tottenham Hotspur brings a sense of the club to the region.
Squad Preparations and Player Expectations
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has included several new faces in the touring squad. Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Martin Dubravka could make their first appearances for Tottenham Hotspur in front of supporters during the friendly. These players recently featured in a behind-closed-doors victory against MK Dons. Other summer arrivals, including Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, reported to the club a few days ago following their involvement in the World Cup, and their first appearances are yet to be confirmed.
The team is expected to wear their new 2026/27 home kit for the match, which features Lilywhite shirts, navy blue shorts, and Lilywhite socks. The weather forecast for the game in Auckland predicts rain, with temperatures around 11 degrees.
Tottenham defender Ben Davies commented on the global support for the club, stating that it is an “awesome feeling” to see fans in Spurs shirts in places like Auckland. He emphasised the value of giving back and promoting the club internationally. Forward Dominic Solanke expressed his anticipation for his first visit to New Zealand, expecting a good game against the reigning A-League champions. Midfielder Conor Gallagher acknowledged the pressure on the team to perform, asserting that as a top club, they would give their best for the match.
Anticipation for the Match
The friendly match at Eden Park is expected to draw a significant crowd, with nearly 40,000 fans anticipated to attend. This would mark the largest football crowd in New Zealand since the country co-hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup three years prior. The match will be broadcast live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 starting from 2.30pm local time.
Supporters unable to attend or watch on local television can follow the action via SPURSPLAY, subject to regional availability, or through live text updates provided on the club’s official app and website. The game is scheduled to begin at 3pm local time in New Zealand on Sunday.
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Source: tottenhamhotspur.com
