The African champions enter the second round of the competition after receiving a bye as a result of winning the CAF Champions League last season. Al Ahli, meanwhile, booked their place in Pretoria by edging Auckland FC 1-0 in the opening round in Jeddah.

Victory for Sundowns would send them into the FIFA Challenger Cup, where they would face either CONCACAF champions Deportivo Toluca or the winners of the 2026 Copa Libertadores, which will be decided in November. The Challenger Cup winner will then meet PSG.

The clash also gives Sundowns an opportunity to strengthen Africa's recent record against Asian opposition in the competition.

African clubs have won their last four meetings with Asian sides and are unbeaten in their past eight encounters, recording seven victories and one draw. The most recent of those wins came last year when Egypt's Pyramids defeated Al Ahli 3-1.

Asia still hold the overall advantage, however, with 12 wins to Africa's eight since the competition's early meetings. No African club has yet lifted the trophy, although TP Mazembe and Raja Casablanca both reached the final in previous editions.

Sundowns' only previous appearance came in 2016, when they lost 2-0 to Kashima Antlers before suffering a 4-1 defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the fifth-place play-off.

The Pretoria side will also need to respond after being held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United in their most recent Premiership outing. Their preparations for that match were disrupted by a late venue change and poor pitch conditions, with coach Miguel Cardoso subsequently pointing to the playing surface as a factor in the result.

Al Ahli arrive with considerable international experience in their squad. Nine players were included in their respective national teams' 2026 World Cup squads, among them captain Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney and Saudi Arabia international Ali Majrashi.

The Saudi Pro League club are also adjusting to a new coach, with Marino Pusic taking charge in August.

African clubs have played 61 matches in FIFA's intercontinental club competitions since 2000, recording 20 wins, seven draws and 34 defeats. They have scored 78 goals and conceded 98.

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