Auckland will host the 11th Tenzing Hillary Cup this Waitangi Weekend, bringing together Nepalese football teams and communities from across New Zealand in a celebration of sport, culture, and unity.
The 11th edition of the Tenzing Hillary Cup (THC) will be held on February 7 and 8, 2026 at McLeod Park in Te Atatū South, Auckland. The national football tournament is expected to bring together Nepalese teams and communities from across Aotearoa New Zealand.
“The Tenzing Hillary Cup has always been more than football,” said Susant Lama, THC 2026 Coordinator.
“It is about bringing our community together, strengthening relationships across regions, and creating a space where families, youth, and elders can connect through sport," Lama added.
Organised by Football Club Khukuri Inc in collaboration with the THC Committee, the Tenzing Hillary Cup is the premier annual football tournament of the Nepalese diaspora in New Zealand.
Established in 2015, the competition honours the shared legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, reflecting values of teamwork, perseverance and collective achievement.
Photo: Tenzing Hillary Cup (THC) last year/Supplied
Organisers estimate around 1,500 players, officials and supporters will attend over the two-day event.
This year’s edition carries additional significance as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of Football Club Khukuri, one of New Zealand’s longest-standing Nepalese football clubs.
Founded in 2006, Khukuri FC has played a central role in community building through football. The club will host the Tenzing Hillary Cup in Auckland for the third time, having previously done so in 2016 and 2019.
“Hosting THC 2026 during our 20th anniversary, and for the third time in Auckland, is a proud milestone for our club,” said Amit Sapkota, President of Football Club Khukuri.
“It reflects two decades of commitment to football, community, and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
Beyond the on-field action, THC 2026 will feature a wider community festival, including a Meet & Greet Cultural Night, Nepali music and dance performances, and stalls showcasing local food and businesses.
The event will also receive live digital and social media coverage, with international reach through GoalNepal.com, which has a global audience of nearly two million followers.
The 2026 tournament will feature a record 18 teams, the highest number in the event’s history, including 12 Open League teams, three Masters teams and three Kids teams.
“The inclusion of open, masters, and kids teams shows the true spirit of the Tenzing Hillary Cup,” said Nitesh Linkha Rai, a THC Committee member.
“It’s about connecting generations and communities through football and celebrating who we are together.”
McLeod Park, with its modern facilities, strong transport links and partnership with Waitemata FC, will again serve as the host venue as the tournament returns to Auckland under Khukuri FC’s stewardship.
Tenzing Hillary Cup organisers say the focus remains firmly on unity, heritage and the role of football in bringing communities together.
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