Huge prizemoney boost as Kiwi part-timers pull off million-dollar Club World Cup miracle

Amateur side Auckland City has earned the greatest result in the team’s history — and secured another $US1 million — with a 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors at the Club World Cup.

The already-eliminated New Zealanders fought off the Argentine powerhouses, who entered the games with hopes of advancing if they won, although as Benfica beat Bayern Munich in the other Group C match, Boca would also have been ousted anyway.

Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow’s own goal sent Boca ahead but Christian Gray equalised with a header in the second half to earn his team a remarkable point.

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“It’s been a tough trip and we’ve had some tough results but just happy for the team and the boys. I think we deserve it,” Gray told DAZN post-match.

“We got a little bit of respect back, I hope.

“A lot of the club we rely on volunteers, we don’t have a lot of money ... I think the club deseves it and Im happy for the boys. I think we got what we deserved.”

Auckland’s team is made up of part-time players, many of whom have jobs to get back to after the tournament — including Gray who is training to be a teacher.

The club earns an extra $US1 million in prizemoney for the group stage draw, boosting more than $US3 million already guaranteed from the pot shared by clubs for competing at the tournament.

According to New Zealand reports prizemoney earned by Auckland City will be split with NZ Football and other clubs, with a formal mediation process to finalise how it will be split.

After a weather delay, Boca kept pushing and racked up 40 shots but could not find a way past Garrow, who made up for his first half misfortune with several good saves.

Auckland, who were crushed 10-0 by German giants Bayern in their first game and 6-0 by Benfica in the second, set up to defend with five at the back.

Boca controlled the game but were slow in their build up and struggled to break down the New Zealanders’ back-line, with 38-year-old veteran striker Edinson Cavani kept quiet.

The minnows had the first chance of the game, with Regont Murati forcing a save from Agustin Marchesin from the edge of the box.

Boca took the lead after 26 minutes when Lautaro Di Lollo’s header from a corner hit the post and was palmed into his own net by Garrow.

Boca twice came close to doubling their lead before the break, with Carlos Palacios whipping a shot from distance against the crossbar. Then, Miguel Merentiel’s header hit the woodwork as well.

Auckland, the only amateur side in the competition, scored their first goal of the tournament to level after 52 minutes.

Defender Gray shook off his marker and headed home from Jerson Lagos’ corner. The game was soon suspended because of a weather warning, the fifth at the tournament, and resumed around 50 minutes later.

Auckland City's Adam Mitchell, left, and Jerson Lagos celebrate after the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Source: AP

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 24: Joe Lee #16, Dylan Connolly #19, Jerson Lagos #17, and Jeremy Foo #15 of Auckland City FC celebrate following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between Auckland City FC and CA Boca Juniors at GEODIS Park on June 24, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Boca fans have been some of the most fervent at the tournament and many refused to head inside despite repeated requests from the stadium announcer, preferring to chant in the stands during the storm delay.

By the time the match restarted, without a drop of rain having fallen at Geodis Park, Benfica had beaten Bayern, leaving Boca no chance of progress to the knock-out rounds.

Merentiel struck quickly for Boca but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the build-up.

Garrow made a fine save from Malcom Braida’s dipping header as Auckland tried to cling on for a point against one of the giants of world football.

The goalkeeper pulled off another good stop from Kevin Zanon’s curling effort from range as the clock ran down.

Boca rained in shots as they desperately attempted to avoid an embarrassing draw but Garrow beat away a Palacios drive and the New Zealanders celebrated wildly as the final whistle blew.

“I’m sorry to break some Boca hearts, but we worked so hard,” said Auckland coach Paul Posa.

“You can’t say we haven’t learned from the experience of being at the tournament, I’m thrilled for the players and the club, it’s wonderful. It’s something to go home with.” Posa said it was a great result for football in Oceania.

“I think it’s restored a little bit of pride, a little bit of reputation for us,” he added.

“We’re a tiny club with a huge heart and that’s evident for all to see... “I think people here just don’t have any idea how small a little club we are and where we’ve come from. So, it’s just awesome.”

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Earlier, Portugal’s Benfica beat German champions Bayern Munich 1-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup and finish top of Group C.

Bayern, who had never lost to Benfica in a competitive game before, finish second in the group and will face Brazil’s Flamengo in the last 16.

Benfica will face the runner-up in Group D which will be Chelsea or Esperance. With Bayern already sure of their place in the knockout stage, their coach Vincent Kompany made seven changes to his starting line-up and it showed in a sloppy first half display.

Only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defender Josip Stanisic, left-back Raphael Guerreiro and winger Serge Gnabry were kept from the team which beat Boca in the previous game Benfica needed a win or a draw to join Bayern in the next round and eliminate Boca Juniors.

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