India, Aug. 26 -- The Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli Saudi FC prepare to host New Zealand's Auckland FC in the opening round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026, on Wednesday, August 26.

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is an annual global club competition that brings together the champions from all six continental confederations. The tournament operates in a unique format, with early rounds acting as regional playoffs. In this opening phase, the Asian and Oceanian champions face off. The winner of this clash will advance to play the African champions, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns FC, in the final of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup scheduled for September 19.

The hosts Al Ahli enter the tournament as formidable favourites. They qualified...