Isuzu UTE A-League champions Auckland FC have appointed Pedro Moreira as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The Portuguese coach arrives after most recently coaching Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor FC, where he steered them into the latter stages of the prestigious AFC Champions League Elite last season.
The 51-year-old also guided Pakhtakor to a second-place finish in the Uzbekistan Super League and joins as the replacement for former Head Coach Steve Corica, who recently left to join Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos having won both the Premiership and Championship in his two seasons in charge.
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“Coming in to coach this side in a country that is still developing its love of the beautiful game is a unique opportunity that I can’t wait to get started with,” Moreira said, after his appointment was made official.
“This is a young club, but a highly successful club that has set the bar in terms of performance.
“It’s already won two trophies alongside the best fans in the league.
“Being able to bring more success here and to continue to develop these exciting young players is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Prior to stepping into management, Moreira spent more than a decade working alongside renowned Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca as assistant manager at FC Porto, FC Shakhtar Donetsk and AS Roma.
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The pair also enjoyed success together at Paços de Ferreira, winning silverware in Portugal and Ukraine.
Moreira also held youth development roles in Portugal, including at Sporting CP, where he worked with a number of players who have since gone on to represent the Portuguese national team.
Auckland FC owner Bill Foley said Moreira quickly emerged as the standout candidate when it came to replacing Corica.
“After an extensive search, Pedro was someone who really stood out for us,” Foley said.
“Off the back of the club’s successful first two seasons we wanted to maintain that momentum and appoint someone who would come into the league and be a step above the rest. We believe Moriera is that person.
“He’s got a wealth of experience, 15 years at a senior level in Europe, 10 years in youth development roles. Pedro is the guy to keep this team right at the top of the A-League and bring more silverware to the city.”
Club chief executive Nick Becker believes Moreira’s pedigree and ambition made him the ideal appointment.
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“Everyone at the club is excited by the hiring of Pedro Moreira,” Becker said.
“He has credentials from some of the top clubs in the world and when his name came up in the coaching search, we knew he was the guy. He really impressed us during the interview stage with his tactical knowledge and understanding of our ambition, connection to the city and direction as a club.
“The fans can feel confident and assured going into the new season.”
Director of Football Terry McFlynn said the club had found the right successor to Corica.
“Replacing Steve was always going to be a big challenge, but we took our time and now have someone who the club has a lot of confidence in.
“Pedro brought into the vision of our club, particularly our focus on youth and developing player pathways.
“We now have our coaching line-up for the season settled. Everyone at the club is now keen to get started as we continue preparation for season three.”
Moreira has also filled out his coaching staff with confirmation that Luke Casserly (Assistant Coach), Rafael Moreira (Head Analyst), Nathan Sherlock (Head of Performance) and Danny Milosevic (Goalkeeper Coach) will all be taking up roles within the club.
Moreira’s first competitive match in charge will come on August 26 when Auckland face Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, before the Black Knights begin the defence of their Isuzu UTE A-League title on October 17.
