Saudi Al Ahli to face New Zealand's Auckland on August 26

The Saudi Football Federation has confirmed that Al-Ahli will face Oceania champions Auckland FC of New Zealand on August 26 at the Inma’ Stadium within the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, as part of the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup. Al-Ahli will host Auckland FC in a single-elimination knockout match, with the winner advancing to face Mamelodi Sundowns, champions of the CAF Champions League, for the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup title. If Al-Ahli advances past both stages, they will move on to the “Challenge Cup” to face the winner of the “Derby of the Americas,” which pits Mexican club Toluca, winners of CONCACAF, against the 2026 Copa Libertadores champion. The victor of that match will then contest the final against French club Paris Saint-Germain, champions of Europe. Al-Ahli represents Asia in the third edition of the tournament, having retained their AFC Champions League Elite title by defeating Japanese side Machida Zelvia 1-0 after extra time in the final held in Jeddah last April. The FIFA Club World Cup operates on a knockout format, featuring the champions of the six continental confederations. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain previously won the first and second editions in 2024 and 2025, respectively.