Gold Coast Knights FC vs. Auckland FC

In the round of 32 in the 2025 Australia Cup, two bands of knights will confront each other.

The Black Knights of Auckland FC vs. the Gold Coast Knights.

This is the first time Auckland FC will play in the Australia Cup.

On Wednesday night (25 June) the official draw was made for the Australia Cup to see which teams will play against each other in the Cup’s Round of 32. The dates and match times were announced on Tuesday (1 July).

⚽️ Gold Coast Knights vs. Auckland FC ⚽️
🗓️ Tuesday 29 July 2025
⏰ 9.30 NZT (7.30 AEST)

Since the two New Zealand A-League teams will always play their match in Australia, the Gold Coast Knights have the home advantage at the Gold Coast Croatia Sports Centre, in Carrara, about 15 minutes west of Surfers Paradise in Queensland.

Gold Coast Knights FC Overview

Founded: Formed in 1978 by Croatian migrants in the Gold Coast region.

Home Ground: Gold Coast Croatia Sports Centre, Carrara, Queensland.

Colours: Red, white, and blue, reflecting the club’s Croatian heritage.

Nickname: Knights (since 1999)

Cultural Significance: The club has strong ties to the Croatian community in Queensland, with the name and emblem inspired by Croatian heritage. The motto “Idemo Zajedno” translates to “Let’s Go Together” in Croatian.

A Legacy of Excellence in Queensland Football

Since joining Queensland’s National Premier League (NPL) in 2019, the Gold Coast Knights FC Senior Men’s Team has been a dominant force in the state’s top-tier football competition. The NPL season, running from February to September, features 22 home and away matches, culminating in the thrilling finals series in September.

The Knights have achieved remarkable success in the NPL, clinching the Queensland Championship in 2019, 2022, and 2023. The club also secured the NPL Premiership as runners-up in 2022 and claimed the top spot as Premiership winners in 2023. Their NPL Under 23 Men’s team mirrored this success, capturing both the 2023 NPL U23 Premiership and Championship.