Al Ahli begins FIFA Intercontinental Cup campaign against Auckland City

A file photo of Al Ahli players celebrating after scoring a goal.

RIYADH, Aug 25: Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli will launch its 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup campaign today, hosting New Zealand’s Auckland City at King Abdullah Sports City.

The Asian champion will enter the first-round clash aiming to make a strong start on home soil and advance in the global competition.

Al Ahli secured the Asian title for a second successive season after defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 in the final under German coach Matthias Jaissle.

Jaissle has since moved to Newcastle United, with Bosnian coach Marino Pusic taking charge. Pusic has enjoyed a perfect start to his tenure, guiding Al Ahli to three straight victories this season. They beat Al-Anwar in the King’s Cup round of 32 before recording Saudi Pro League wins over Abha and Al-Diriyah, 4-0 and 1-0 respectively.

Pusic will count on an attack led by England international Ivan Toney and Brazilian forward Galeno, with Portugal international Francisco Trincão another key option after joining from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.

Al Ahli will look to use their home advantage and strong fan support to build early momentum in the tournament. Their defensive record should also provide confidence, with the team conceding just once in its first three matches of the season.

The fixture marks Al Ahli’s second appearance in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The Saudi side will aim to improve on last year’s campaign, when it was eliminated in the second round after a 3-0 home defeat to Egyptian club Pyramids.