Chelsea Women Receive Enthusiastic Welcome in Auckland for Pre-Season Tour

Auckland, New Zealand – Chelsea Women have officially begun their pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 campaign, arriving in Auckland, New Zealand, to a vibrant welcome. The team's journey spanned nearly 30 hours from London, including stopovers in Singapore and Sydney, before touching down in the Pacific nation.

Upon their arrival, the squad, led by coach Sonia Bompastor, settled into their new surroundings and immediately commenced preparations for their upcoming fixtures. A significant highlight of their first full day was a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, known as a powhiri, performed by Ngati Whatua Orakei at Orakei Marae. This cultural exchange provided a unique introduction to New Zealand's heritage, fostering a sense of connection and respect.

Defender Kadeisha Buchanan expressed her appreciation for the experience, particularly noting the hongi, a symbolic gesture of unity shared during the ceremony. The team also had their initial opportunity to survey Eden Park, the stadium designated to host their first pre-season match. This fixture will see Chelsea Women face local side Auckland FCTeam·Auckland FC on Saturday, August 8, 2026, marking a key step in their build-up to the new season.

The tour also represents a significant milestone for midfielder Lola Brown, who is participating in her first summer tour with the senior squad. Brown impressed during a season-long loan with Crystal PalaceTeam·Crystal Palace in the 2025/26 campaign and has since returned to ChelseaTeam·Chelsea, eager to integrate further with the team.

Following their engagement in New Zealand, Chelsea Women will continue their global pre-season schedule. The next leg of their tour will take them to Sydney, Australia, where they are slated to play against an A-League All-Stars side on August 12, 2026. These international fixtures are crucial for the squad to build match fitness, refine tactical approaches, and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the competitive season.