Mark your calendars and clear your diaries: the Champions’ return to Go Media Stadium for the start of the 2026/2027 A-League Men’s season has been confirmed.
The Black Knights will kick off their season at home to Melbourne City on Saturday, 17 October at 5pm.
This season also brings with it two massive home derbies, the first taking place on Saturday, 7 November and the second on Saturday, 13 February. Both games will kick off at 5pm with the teams renewing one of the biggest (and perhaps most one-sided) rivalries in New Zealand sport.
Excluding finals, Auckland FC will play 26 matches across the campaign, 13 home and 13 away.
There are seven Saturday, 5pm kick-offs and five Sunday, 3pm kick-offs. The family-friendly kick-off times are ideal for those keen to entertain the kids at Auckland’s best day out, all while soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the action on the pitch.
There is also the now customary New Year’s Day game, this time against Adelaide United, that, as always, will include Hawaiian shirts, a massive water fight, and plenty of family fun.
Sticking with family fun, each game will be themed, with the enormous beach, Ferris wheel, and bucking bronco all likely to return. And yes, the iconic 25m inflatable slide is back.
Themes will be announced when single-match tickets go on sale on Tuesday, 1 September. Fans eager to lock in for all home games, plus a heap of other benefits and perks, are encouraged to become an Auckland FC member.
Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker was full of praise for what he called a much-improved and much more fan-friendly draw.
“This is a great draw; the matches are evenly staggered and the kick-off times are much better suited to our fans and the community,” says Becker.
“There are also two home derbies to enjoy, and I can promise you there will be no let-up in our ambition on the pitch or our commitment to a great day out off it.
“The 25/26 season will be long remembered. We’re aiming to make sure 26/27 is just as memorable. We will defend our title.”
KEY FIXTURES
⚽️ First Game of the Season: Saturday, 17 October vs. Melbourne City, 5pm at Go Media Stadium, 5pm
⚽️ Home Derby 1: Saturday, 7 November, 5pm at Go Media Stadium
⚽️ Away Derby: Saturday, 19 December, 5pm at Hnry Stadium
⚽️ New Year’s Day Detox: Friday, 1 January vs. Adelaide United, 5pm at Go Media Stadium
⚽️ Home Derby 2: Saturday, 13 February, 5pm at Go Media Stadium
⚽️ Champions vs Premiers: Saturday, 13 March vs. Newcastle Jets, 5pm at Go Media Stadium
⚽️ Last Game of the Season: Saturday, 8 May vs. Western Sydney Wanderers, 5pm at Go Media Stadium
DOWNLOAD THE FULL FIXTURE LIST
The full season fixture list is available to download here.
Auckland FC and its fans have every reason to believe the best is yet to come. Lock in your 26/27 Membership now, so you never miss a moment.
