“The head coach – it hasn’t been for lack of people, it’s been for actually trying to find the right one.
Auckland FC won last season’s grand final against Sydney FC. Photo / Alyse Wright
“I’d like to think they would make a decision on that before the Spurs game.”
Becker also said he expected some changes to the squad before the season starts.
“There’s probably another three or four players to come in, we’re getting very close to finding our replacement head coach, we’ve got a massive game against Spurs a week Sunday, which will be a huge opportunity for both the boys who are already back in pre-season and some of the younger, wider squad players who have joined into training to really show what they’re about at that game.
“Towards the end of August, we’re off to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to play the Fifa Intercontinental Cup.
“That’s a couple of large milestones in our sporting calendar between now and early September, where we will probably play a series of pre-season games against some A-League opposition.”
Auckland FC will begin their title defence on October 17. Photo / Photosport
Of their home games, there will be seven Saturday 5pm kickoffs and five Sunday 3pm starts, alongside a New Year’s Day home fixture against Adelaide United, beginning at 5pm on a Friday.
Fans can expect to have fun around the home games as well, with a theme in place for each one, including a beach, Ferris wheel, bucking bronco and inflatable slide.
“We’ll continue to be there and grow and get better and bigger, and so we’re really excited about the season ahead,” Becker said.
“Obviously the football on the pitch will be fantastic, but lots of fun for the whole family around the stadium and the best match day experience in New Zealand sport.”
Auckland FC play last season’s premiers the Newcastle Jets away on January 9 and at home on March 13, while their fixtures against their grand final opponents Sydney FC take place on December 12 at GoMedia Stadium and February 27 in Australia.
The away Kiwi derby is scheduled for December 19 and the final game of the regular season will be against Western Sydney Wanderers on May 8.
Auckland FC 2026-27 A-League fixtures (all KOs local time)
October 17, 5pm – Auckland FC v Melbourne City
October 24, 5pm – Western Sydney Wanderers v Auckland FC
October 30, 7pm – Brisbane Roar v Auckland FC
November 7, 5pm – Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix
November 21, 5pm – Auckland FC v Melbourne Victory
November 28, 7.40pm – Central Coast Mariners v Auckland FC
December 12, 5pm – Auckland FC v Sydney FC
December 19, 5pm – Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC
December 27, 6pm – Melbourne City v Auckland FC
January 1, 5pm – Auckland FC v Adelaide United
January 9, 5pm – Newcastle Jets v Auckland FC
January 15, 7.40pm – Melbourne Victory v Auckland FC
January 24, 3pm – Auckland FC v Perth Glory
January 31, 3pm – Auckland FC v Brisbane Roar
February 6, 5pm – Macarthur FC v Auckland FC
February 13, 5pm – Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix
February 27, 5pm – Sydney FC v Auckland FC
March 7, 3pm – Auckland FC v Central Coast Mariners
March 13, 5pm – Auckland FC v Newcastle Jets
March 20, 5pm – Western Sydney Wanderers v Auckland FC
April 4, 3pm – Auckland FC v Macarthur FC
April 10, 7.45pm – Perth Glory v Auckland FC
April 18, 3pm – Auckland FC v Brisbane Roar
April 23, 7.40pm – Sydney FC v Auckland FC
May 1, 4.30pm – Adelaide United v Auckland FC
May 8, 5pm – Auckland FC v Western Sydney Wanderers