Tottenham Kick Off Pre-Season Tour with 2-0 Win Over Auckland FC in Front of Record Crowd

Tottenham Hotspur commenced their 2026 pre-season tour with a convincing 2-0 victory against A-League champions Auckland FC on Sunday. The match, held at Eden Park in Auckland, was notable not only for Spurs' performance but also for the record-breaking attendance.

In front of a crowd of 40,112 spectators, the largest ever to witness a men's football match in New Zealand, Tottenham showcased their dominance despite fielding an under-strength squad. Manager Roberto De Zerbi opted to rest many of his key players as the Premier League side controlled much of the game played under damp conditions.

The visitors opened the scoring through Dane Scarlett, who found the net to give Spurs the lead. Later in the match, Richarlison added a second goal to secure the win and maintain the team's positive momentum ahead of the upcoming season.

The match at Eden Park, a venue traditionally known for rugby, highlighted the growing interest in football across New Zealand, with the record attendance reflecting the sport's expanding popularity in the region.

Tottenham will look to build on this promising start as they continue their pre-season preparations, with De Zerbi likely to integrate more of his squad in the coming fixtures.

Read the full story at The Guardian.