Phoenix captain to play for Auckland in invitational match against Chelsea

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Author: Samuel Sherry,
Publish Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2026, 1:34pm

The Football Fern who captained the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Women’s grand final will join Auckland FC’s Women’s Invitational XI when they play Chelsea in August.

Mackenzie Barry is one of four Football Ferns recently announced to be taking part in the pre-season fixture, with Olivia Chance, Liz Anton and Charlotte Lancaster also confirmed to be playing.

The 25-year-old re-signed with the Nix in April and has represented the club since its inaugural season. She has become their most-capped player in the process, and became their interim captain during last season’s campaign.

Barry helped to anchor the defence for her side, which conceded a competition-low 17 goals in last season’s A-League Women. She has also had plenty of international experience, including winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Fifa U17 World Cup and playing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The Wellington Phoenix previously uploaded and deleted a post on social media platform X which took aim at the decision for Chelsea Women to be playing the invitational team in Auckland.

“If only there was a women’s football team in New Zealand that Chelsea could have played!” the now-deleted post read.

Mackenzie Barry will play for the Auckland FC Invitational XI against Chelsea Women at Eden Park.

“Maybe one that just reached the Grand Final? Or one that just had six thousand fans turn up for a playoff game?

“Maybe even ... one that actually existed?”

Olivia Chance has represented New Zealand at the World Cup and the Olympics.

At the time of the announcement, Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker said he couldn’t confirm whether any Phoenix players would be part of the squad.

However, a statement from the club said it has made it a priority to fill the squad to play Chelsea with as many Kiwi players as possible.

Liz Anton plays for Canberra United FC in the A-League Women.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Olivia Chance joins the squad, having made 50 appearances for the Football Ferns since her debut in 2011, also being a part of their 2023 Women’s World Cup squad.

Liz Anton and Charlotte Lancaster, like Barry, play for A-League Women’s clubs but are based in Australia with Canberra United and the Newcastle Jets.

Charlotte Lancaster is contracted to the Newcastle Jets.

Charlotte Lancaster is contracted to the Newcastle Jets.

These four players join former Football Fern Abby Erceg, who was the first player announced to be a part of the Invitational XI.

The match against Chelsea is on August 8 and is part of the New Zealand International Football Festival, with Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur playing Auckland FC on July 26 also at Eden Park.