When Haris Zeb steps onto the pitch wearing an Auckland City FC jersey for the first time in the FIFA Club World Cup, he will make history as the first Pakistani-New Zealander footballer to compete in the prestigious tournament.

The 23-year-old former Birkenhead United player has recently joined Auckland City FC.

Zeb was born in New Zealand on May 15, 2001, to parents from Pakistan. He has citizenship in both countries, so he can play for Pakistan’s national team. Pakistan asked him to join their team for the 2023 Four Nations Cup in Mauritius, but he couldn’t due to injury.

Earlier, the left-winger played for other New Zealand teams like Christchurch United and Miramar Rangers. Now, with Auckland City FC, he has a chance to show what he can do in the biggest club soccer event in the world.

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Auckland City FC secured its place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by clinching the 2024 OFC Champions League title. The team will take part in the bigger 32-team event, set to be held in the United States. They’re set to go up against European heavyweights Bayern Munich Argentine big shots Boca Juniors, and Portugal’s Benfica in the group stage.