THE FUSE

Sundowns will lock horns with Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli Saudi FC in the 𝗙𝗜𝗙𝗔 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻-𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻-𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝘂𝗽. The game is set for 19 September 2026 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, with a major global prize at stake.

The highly anticipated showdown will decide the winner of the newly established FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

SUNDOWNS ONE STEP FROM GLOBAL GLORY

The fixture was confirmed after Al Ahli booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Auckland FC in Jeddah.

The Saudi giants needed just one goal to settle the contest. Substitute Saleh Abu Al Shamat found the back of the net in the 63rd minute at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

That victory set up a fascinating meeting with Sundowns in Pretoria.

For South African football supporters, there is an added storyline surrounding Al Ahli. The Saudi club was previously coached by legendary South African mentor Pitso Mosimane, making their arrival in Pretoria particularly interesting.

Al Ahli also bring serious pedigree into the encounter, having established themselves as one of Asia’s biggest forces. For Sundowns, however, this is about much more than facing a familiar name from the Saudi Pro League.

The Brazilians earned their place in this showdown after their spectacular CAF Champions League triumph. They now have the chance to turn their continental success into international glory.

HOME ADVANTAGE

Playing at Loftus Versfeld could also give Miguel Cardoso’s side a significant advantage.

Sundowns will have their home supporters behind them,. The Pretoria crowd will be hoping to witness another historic chapter in the club’s remarkable rise on the continental and global stage.

But the stakes go beyond the African-Asian-Pacific Cup. The winner of the Pretoria showdown will progress to the next stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup — the Challenger Cup.