Tottenham Hotspur are coming to town.

New Zealand fans of the English Premier League club will be able to catch their team live in New Zealand in July when they travel to take on Auckland FC.

The friendly will take place on Sunday July 26 at Eden Park as part of the New Zealand International Football Festival, with more announcements for the festival still to come.

The announcement will bring some light in a dark season for Kiwi fans of the club. Spurs could well be a Championship team when their visit rolls around as they currently sit just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League and, this morning, saw manager Igor Tudor depart his role after just 44 days.

Auckland Council Events, through Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), has supported the event alongside support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. The same fund is helping to bring rugby league’s State of Origin to Eden Park in 2027.

TAU expected the match between Tottenham and Auckland FC would result in 27,000 visitor nights and a $3 million boost to the regional economy.

“Auckland FC have done wonders for football in the city since the club came into existence two years ago,” Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said.

“Their CEO Nick Becker and his team have created a loyal and passionate fan base from nothing. It’s been fantastic to see so many people regularly turn up to their games at Go Media Stadium.

“Tottenham Hotspur are known as a team that always tries to play attractive football, so hopefully it will be a great game at Eden Park.”

It’s been 12 years since a Premier League team last visited Auckland, when West Ham United lost 2-1 to the Wellington Phoenix at Eden Park.

“We haven’t had a club of this size in New Zealand for over 10 years. Now clubs like Tottenham are seeing what we’re doing over here, the growth of football and our passionate fanbase and wanting to get involved,” Becker said.

“It is going to be fantastic event for Auckland and a great chance for some of our squad to really test themselves against top-class players.

“Whatever happens to Tottenham this season they remain an incredibly high-profile team with a worldwide fans base, and we’re delighted to have them here in Auckland with us.”