Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in Auckland

Personally, I don’t watch a lot of sport but I have to say that I do get excited about the big international events and the World Cup in South Africa is no exception. Where’s all the hype, you ask? Well, traditionally New Zealand is not a footballing nation. Not unlike the United States, we have bigger sports here. Can you guess what they are? Hint: The first one starts with ‘R’ and ends in –ugby and the second one starts with ‘C’ and ends in –ricket. Yep, Kiwis are pretty much mad for those. Although visitors and expats from the more traditional football nations often get into the local sports in New Zealand, the lack of football coverage can drive a football lover over the edge.

That 1982 World Cup qualifying All Whites

Good news! This year, for the first time since 1982, the New Zealand All Whites have qualified for the World Cup. We are in Group F along with Paraguay, Italy, and Slovakia. We are very proud and some of us are excited there may actually be a chance to see some footy on TV. Or so I thought.

I’ve been on a mission to find out if there are any special places to watch the matches and the trail keeps running cold. New Zealand is a lot of things, but a football-mad society we are not. That, coupled with the fact that we are in a really bad time zone for the match times, means that I personally feel the need to apologise in advance to any visitors looking for some footy-based action. Believe me, there are many of us here who would like to have more connection to the footballing world. It’s an ongoing debate. But you are welcome to come back next year for the Rugby World Cup, grin.

So, no big screens, no waterfront extravaganzas, but you can catch some of the World Cup matches in a few places around the city besides the Sky TV in your hotel room. In particular you should head for the British and Irish bars. The Viaduct has a few venues that are close together.  Here are three to get you started.

O’Hagans at the Viaduct

Fox’s Alehouse at the Viaduct

Right Track Sports Café on Fort Street (off Queen Street)

New Zealand matches

New Zealand vs. Slovakia (Match 12) Tuesday 15 June 1.10pm S.A/ Tuesday 15 June 11.00pm NZ

New Zealand vs. Italy (Match 28) Sunday 20 June 4.00pm S.A./Monday 21 June 2.00am

New Zealand vs. Paraguay (Match 42) Thursday 24 June 4.00pm S.A./Friday 25 June 2.00am