Eden Park to host Chelsea vs Auckland XI in historic women's clash

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Australia striker Sam Kerr is one of several big name stars in the Chelsea women’s roster.

Chelsea Women are coming to New Zealand for the first time as part of an international football festival backed by the Government’s $70 million major events package.

But they will not face the country’s only professional women’s team.

Fresh off reaching this weekend’s A-League Women grand final after an extra-time win over Brisbane Roar before a sold-out Porirua Park, Wellington Phoenix have been overlooked in favour of an Auckland FC Women’s Invitational XI.

The record eight-time Women’s Super League champions will face a side featuring leading local and regional talent at Eden Park on August 8, coached by former Football Ferns goalkeeper Jenny Bindon.

Chelsea will also play the A-League Women All Stars in Sydney on August 12.

Auckland FC are targeting entry into the A-League Women in 2027-28 but do not yet have a senior women’s side, raising questions over the competitiveness of the fixture.

Sam Cosgrove and Lachlan Brook are looking forward to testing themselves against Premier League opposition at Eden Park after Tottenham Hotspur announced a game against Auckland FC in July.

Chelsea’s current squad features global stars Sam Kerr, Keira Walsh, Lucy Bronze and Naomi Girma.

In a since-deleted social media post, the Phoenix appeared to vent their frustration, tweeting: “If only there was a women’s football team in New Zealand Chelsea could have played? Maybe one that just reached the Grand Final? One or that just had six thousand fans turn up for a playoff game? Maybe even… one that existed?”

Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker said the club had simply accepted an opportunity presented by promoter TEG.

The fixture is part of an international football festival that will also see Auckland FC’s men host English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on July 26.

He backed Bindon to pull together a strong roster.

“I don’t know what conversations were had in that space [with Wellington]. We were approached by TEG to do it and we saw the opportunity,” Becker said.

“On the Wellington Phoenix women’s team, I think they’ve had a fantastic season and I wish them all the best for the final. I’m sure we can do it and as a fellow New Zealand team we are fully behind them.

“This is a huge opportunity for the club and we couldn't be more excited, both for all the young talented players that we have in our development squad who are going to get the opportunity to be part of this team but also as a football opportunity for all of Auckland.”

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said the trip would be “an important part of our pre-season preparations”.

“We’re incredibly proud of the international nature of our squad and how it reflects the diversity and spirit of the Chelsea women family,” she said.

“To meet new fans, inspire the next generation of players, and showcase our talented group in a new region is a real privilege.”

The event was made possible through the Government package, designed to boost Auckland’s winter tourism and hospitality sector and create jobs.

The funding comes from the Events Attraction Package, which has also supported Linkin Park, Robbie Williams and the World Surf League Championship Tour.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston noted the “strong following for women’s football in New Zealand” and, when asked why Wellington were not involved, said there would be future opportunities for the Phoenix.

Tickets for the Eden Park match start at $19 and are scheduled to go on sale from May 14.