Kiwi Medics Take Dublin by Storm at the World Medical Football Championships

This July, New Zealand doctors swapped stethoscopes for football boots as three teams jetted off to Dublin for the World Medical Football Championships (WMFC) 2025 and 29th International Symposium of Medicine in Sport.

More than 1,000 players from around the globe came together for a week of football, friendship, and medicine – and New Zealand made sure our presence was felt with a women’s team, a men’s open side, and a men’s over-45s squad.

Football Highlights

The schedule was packed: games Sunday through Tuesday, a breather on Wednesday, then straight back into it Thursday to Saturday.

The women’s team lit up the tournament, grabbing headlines when they toppled the reigning champions, Australia Green, in the group stages. That win put them top of the table heading into the quarter-finals – and they went on to finish an incredible 4th out of 14 teams.

The standard of competition was fierce. The German women looked untouchable for much of the week (though Canada managed to beat them once in the groups), before powering through to lift the trophy in a thrilling final.

Meanwhile, our men’s open and over-45s teams held their own against some seriously polished opposition, flying the New Zealand flag with pride and plenty of determination.

More Than Just Football

The WMFC isn’t just about goals and tackles – it’s about combining two huge passions: medicine and sport.

“Lots of us have chosen medicine over our love of sport, so to spend a week combining the two was incredible. The atmosphere was like a festival – everyone was so happy and energetic. I felt like I came alive.”

Our squad was a mix of junior doctors fresh out of med school through to GPs, ED consultants, renal physicians, anaesthetic fellows, oncologists, urgent care trainees, and even a medicinal cannabis clinician or two. Whatever the specialty, everyone came together as one big whānau.

Off the Pitch Adventures

Afternoons were filled with medical lectures (yes, we even learned between matches!) before heading out to explore.

A road trip through the Wicklow Mountains

A freezing-but-hilarious swim in a lake that apparently supplies the water needed for a fine pint of Guinness. Cheers! 🍻

A Riverdance show that had us on our feet

Wandering Dublin’s streets on walking tours and taking in some history

A team night out thanks to our generous kit sponsor, BluGibbon

Honestly, we had just as much fun off the pitch as we did on it.

What’s Next?

We came home buzzing – and already excited for the next WMFC in Costa Rica. But here’s the deal: the trip was self-funded, and to keep this dream alive we need more sponsorship and, crucially, more players.

Our women’s side is going strong, but the men’s squads have had to borrow Aussies to fill spots. Next time, we want to field 100% Kiwi teams.

Come Join Us!

If you’re a doctor who loves football – at any level – this is your chance to represent Aotearoa, travel the world, and be part of something truly unforgettable.

Click here to register your interest

⚽🇳🇿 Medicine, football, and international friendship – what could be better?