The Auckland International Cup is New Zealand’s only elite international tournament.

AIFC play in numerous tournaments each year, both locally and internationally. Our goal is to create as many opportunities for our players to learn and grow as footballers and people. AIFC are also the organisers of New Zealand’s only genuine international tournament, the Auckland International Cup, which is held in Auckland in January each year.

AIFC football academy

About the Auckland International Cup

Founded in 2025, the Auckland International Cup takes place in January each year in Auckland. The tournament is New Zealand’s only elite international tournament and includes teams from professional clubs from around the world. The tournament gives an opportunity for talented New Zealand players to play against players who play in full time professional academies.

In 2025, the tournament was won by Shanghai Shenhua, a Chinese super league club who currently sit down of the league. The tournament also included Suwon Samsung Bluewings (Korea), Iniesta Academy (Japan), and Mainland FC (Australia), amongst teams from New Zealand. The 2025 tournament was an Under 12 competition, in 2026, the competition will be for Under 10 and Under 12 teams.

Group of young boys in yellow soccer uniforms celebrating and hugging on a grassy field during a game.
Youth soccer team celebrating victory, some players jumping and raising their hands, one holding a trophy, others wearing medals, on a soccer field with a blue backdrop and chain-link fence.
Young boys in blue soccer uniforms clapping and cheering on a grassy field.
Two boys playing soccer on a field, one in a blue jersey and the other in a white jersey, with a soccer ball near their feet.
Young soccer players playing a game, with a goalkeeper preparing to catch a ball in front of the goal, while teammates are nearby on the field.
Children playing soccer on a field, competing for the ball during a game.

Interested in registering for the Auckland International Cup

Feel free to contact us via email or fill out our contact form to discuss registration for local and international teams including travel packages and more information, or to find out more about AIC 2026.