The wait is over! Mark your calendars, sunny Saturdays return to Go Media Stadium with the unveiling of Auckland FC’s 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s season fixture list.
The Black Knights will play 26 matches across the campaign, 13 home and 13 away, as the club prepares to build on a landmark debut campaign that saw over 260,000 through the gates, three sold-out matches and one Premiers Plate secured.
Auckland FC will be out for revenge when they open the season away to last season’s semi-final opponents Melbourne Victory, on Saturday, October 18.
The club’s first home game will take place a week later on Saturday, October 25, at 5pm, when Auckland FC hosts Western Sydney Wanderers at Go Media Stadium.
The other game fans will be eagerly anticipating is the home derby against Wellington Phoenix, scheduled for Saturday, December 6 at 5pm. If last season is anything to go by, this game will be a sell-out, packed full of action, goals, and with potential for a circus both on and off the pitch.
The two away fixtures will be played on November 8 and February 21. The Wellington-based side is one of four teams that Auckland FC will play three times, the others being Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Mariners and head coach Steve Corica’s former team, Sydney FC.
With seven home games locked in for the fan favourite time slot of Saturday 5pm, families and Port fans can once again look forward to warm summer afternoons, activities for the kids, an electric atmosphere, and plenty of passion. And yes, the iconic 25m inflatable slide is back.
Unusually, this year features a Saturday, 3pm kick-off. And sticking with the unusual; in an improvement on last season, there are four Sunday games all scheduled for the earlier 3pm kick-off time, ideal for families looking for entertainment both on and off the field.
That leaves just one fixture, a now traditional New Year’s Day game, this time against Newcastle Jets with a 5pm kick-off.
In 2024/25, Auckland FC delivered a record-breaking debut season, going 532 minutes without conceding, allowing the fewest goals in the league (23), and putting together a 14-game unbeaten streak. The team scored 50 goals, including 10 against Wellington Phoenix, and became the first A-League club to win its first four matches as a debut side.
Despite last season’s impressive achievements, the club are promising a step-up this season, with CEO Nick Becker telling fans to expect improvements both on and off the pitch.
“We’re not just building a football club, we’re creating the best family day out in Auckland,” said Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker.
“Last season’s response from our community was incredible. With over 260,000 fans attending and the Family Fan Zone becoming a hit with kids and parents, we’re doubling down on making Go Media Stadium the place to be this summer.
“We’ll be expanding our community tailgating area, bringing in additional inflatables for the kids, and aiming to go one better on the pitch. I can’t guarantee how it will all end, but I promise the ride will be incredible.”
Key Fixtures:
- First game of the season: Saturday, 18 October, away vs. Melbourne Victory
- Home Opener: Saturday, 25 October vs. Western Sydney Wanderers (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- The Kiwi Derby: Saturday, 6 December vs. Wellington Phoenix (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- New Year’s Day Detox: Thursday, 1 January vs. Newcastle Jets (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- Champions vs. Premiers: Saturday, 28 February vs. Melbourne City (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
- Semi-Final Home Rematch: Saturday, 11 April vs. Melbourne Victory (Go Media Stadium, 5pm)
With single match tickets not on sale just yet, the best way to guarantee your seat at every home game is by becoming an Auckland FC Member. From derby days to summer blockbusters, do not miss a moment secure your membership today and be part of the action all season long.
