More than 40,000 spectators set a new attendance record for a men’s football match in New Zealand, when they watched touring Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 win against a new-look Auckland FC.
Goals from England U-21 forward Dane Scarlett and Brazilian international Richarlison gave the English Premier League side a creditable win, and allowed them to field nine substitutes as they shrugged off any jet lag.
Auckland FC showed spirit and created a few of their own chances as the A-League champions introduced a swag of youngsters, using 13 players off the bench to give valuable experience to new signings and those promoted from their reserves and OFC Pro League squads.
Spurs took the lead in the 12th minute when Israeli international Manor Solomon weaved into the Auckland FC box and set up Scarlett for his goal.
Main photo: Dane Scarlett (left) enjoys his goal with Manor Solomon.
Auckland FC’s leading scorer from last season, Sam Cosgrove, had his team’s best chance in the first half when he was denied by goalkeeper Brandon Austin.
In the second half, both teams had plenty of time on the ball, giving players the chance to build their pre-season fitness, and for new players to find their feet.
As a contest, the result was all-but sorted when Richarlison scored Spurs’ second goal midway through the second half.
But for both sides, the game was about giving players their opportunities.
Auckland FC’s interim head coach Luke Casserley even used the game to test a trialist, New Zealand age group international midfielder Marley Leuluai, whose father, Kylie, was a professional rugby league player in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The youthful potential of the home side’s squad was demonstrated when Leuluai (19) came on for defender Luka Vicelich (18), the son of All Whites legend Ivan Vicelich.
Leuluai, who has captained the national U-17 side, has been through the academy system at Manchester City, and has just completed his first professional contract with Burnley.
As the crowd left a wet Eden Park, the organisers of the International Football Festival would have been pleased to learn the official attendance was 40,112 — the seventh biggest crowd for any football match played in New Zealand.
It set a new record for a men’s game, and for a club fixture.
TVNZ news coverage
Result
Game played on Sunday July 26, 2026
Auckland FC 0
Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Dane Scarlett 12′, Richarlison 70′)
This story was first published on July 26, 2026.