Auckland FC have adjusted their stadium plans and will continue to utilize a dual-stadium approach, with home games played at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium and training sessions based at North Harbour Stadium.
The club abandoned its proposal to develop Western Springs Stadium into a dedicated home base due to challenges with public land, instead securing longer-term arrangements with both current venues[1].
Auckland FC begins their defence of the A-League Premiership on the weekend of Friday, 17 October 2025, marking the start of the 2025/26 A-League Men’s season. The Grand Final for the men’s competition is scheduled for the weekend of 22–24 May, 2026[2].
In recent team news, defender Scott Galloway and centre-back/co-vice-captain Tommy Smith have both departed the club, each citing family reasons. Both players played notable roles in the team’s formative seasons[3][4].
Pre-season preparations have begun on a strong note: Auckland FC opened their campaign with a decisive 5–0 win over West Coast Rangers in their first friendly match[4].
Off the field, Auckland FC and Northern Region Football have launched free community football clinics in South Auckland, and a new partnership with Bargain Chemist has been announced, establishing the pharmacy as the Official Pharmacy Partner of the club[4].
This August will also see the premiere of the Sky New Zealand Originals series “Forever Auckland FC,” which gives unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the club[4].
Tonight, Auckland FC face Gold Coast United in the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32, with live coverage available through Football Australia[6].
References
- [1] Auckland FC stick with dual stadiums, plan for expansion – 1News
- [2] Dates locked in for 2025-26 A-Leagues season – Auckland FC
- [3] Latest Auckland FC News & Highlights – A-Leagues
- [4] Auckland FC News & Updates | A-League
- [6] Gold Coast United v Auckland FC | Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 – YouTube