Due to the time difference, Oceania will host the first match of the New Year. Take a look.
2025 promises to be full of football events, with the Club World Cup, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Copa Libertadores and the Champions League among the most notable. Although we have to wait several weeks, even months, to watch these competitions, football never stops, and the first match of the year will kick off just after midnight in Argentina.
As planned due to the time difference, the opening match of the year will take place in New Zealand. Auckland FC – not to be confused with Auckland City, Boca’s upcoming Club World Cup opponents – will take on Melbourne Victory at Go Media Stadium in a match corresponding to the A-League, the flagship division of the Australia. The match is scheduled for 01:00 (Argentine time), perfect for broadcast after the celebration…
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Despite being based in New Zealand, Auckland FC has been competing in the Australian league since this season, following the A-League expansion project which invited a team from the neighboring country. The New Zealanders have been among the leaders of the tournament so far, occupying first place with 22 points from seven wins, one draw and just one defeat.
In Argentina, the ball will roll again in 2025 with the Torneo Federal Regional Amateur 2024/25, although the specific matches have not yet been confirmed: we will have to wait for the calendar.
This will involve both the second leg of the quarter-finals and the first leg of the semi-finals. This is due to the different phases taking place in various regions, but we are talking about a total of 26 matches. When will they take place? January 4 and 5.
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It is important to note that the disciplinary commission has not yet ruled on the incidents between Andino and Sp. Villa Dolores, so it remains unclear who has progressed and, therefore, the quarter-finals are on hold.
It should be remembered that there are four promotion places available in the Regional Amateur. To secure one of the tickets to Federal A, a team must not only be regional champion, but also win the interregional final (single match on neutral ground) against another team of the same level.
