Mamelodi Sundowns to Face Saudi Giants - Al Ahli Await in FIFA Intercontinental Cup

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Sundowns host Al Ahli Saudi FC in FIFA Intercontinental Cup on 19 September.
Winner advances to the Challenger Cup, edging closer to facing PSG.
Match part of FIFA’s new global format uniting continental champions.

Al Ahli beat Auckland FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to set up a meeting with Mamelod Sundowns (Getty Images).

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to meet Pitso Mosimane’s former club, Al Ahli Saudi FC, in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, with a place in the next round and another opportunity to claim international silverware at stake.
Saudi Giants to Play in South Africa
PSG Could Await Sundowns
FIFA's Revamped Tournament

Saudi Giants to Play in South Africa

The Brazilians earned their place in the competition after being crowned CAF Champions League winners last season. That triumph secured Sundowns a berth at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup while also guaranteeing their participation in this year’s Intercontinental Cup.

Their opening assignment comes in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup, where they will go up against Al Ahli. The Saudi Arabian outfit booked their place in the tie after edging Auckland FC 1-0 in the African-Asian-Pacific play-off on Wednesday.

Sundowns will have home advantage when they welcome Mosimane’s former team to Tshwane on 19 September. Al Ahli arrive as the reigning AFC Champions League holders, having claimed the continental title in consecutive campaigns.

Victory would bring more than just the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup trophy. The successful team will advance to the next stage of the Intercontinental Cup, the FIFA Challenger Cup.

A potential showdown with the winner of the FIFA Derby of the Americas awaits in that round. Concacaf champions Toluca are scheduled to face the eventual winners of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, with the victor progressing to the Challenger Cup.

PSG Could Await Sundowns

The team that emerges from the FIFA Challenger Cup will then face UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain for the FIFA Continental Cup.

PSG claimed last season’s edition after overcoming Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo in a penalty shootout.

FIFA's Revamped Tournament

The revamped FIFA Intercontinental Cup format was launched in 2024. According to FIFA, the competition gives the champions of all six continental confederations an opportunity to compete against one another on the international stage every year.

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.