Five Players to Watch as Al Ahli Face Auckland FC in FIFA
Short overview
Al Ahli host Auckland FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 opener on 26 August. FIFA highlights five key players, including an English striker with 42 goals last season and a Japanese captain anchoring Auckland's defense.
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026™ begins on 26 August with the African–Asian–Pacific Cup Play-Off, as Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli welcome New Zealand's Auckland FC to Jeddah's Alinma Stadium. Al Ahli enter as the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite winners, having also featured in the International Cup last season after capturing the Asian title in 2024-25. Auckland, making their tournament debut, qualified by winning the 2026 OFC Pro League in its inaugural season. The winner will face South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in the match that decides the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Al Ahli's English Striker
The English centre-forward delivered unforgettable performances for Al Ahli last season, becoming one of the Saudi Pro League's leading lights. Known for converting half-chances into goals and possessing the physical presence to challenge top defenders, he scored 42 goals and provided 11 assists in 49 matches across all competitions. He has started this season strongly, with three goals in just two matches.
Auckland's Japanese Captain
Hiroki Sakai, one of Japan's finest defenders, has captained Auckland FC since the club's foundation. Operating primarily as a right-back, he has also slotted in at centre-back, bringing composure and stability to the young side. His extensive career experience is a key asset for the team's formidable back line.
Francis de Vries: Dynamic Left-Back
On the opposite flank, left-back Francis de Vries offers defensive solidity and attacking presence. The 31-year-old from Christchurch, part of New Zealand's squad at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup™, is also a fine set-piece taker and a genuine scoring threat from free-kicks.
Al Ahli's Armenian Playmaker
The Armenian playmaker has hit the ground running since joining Al Ahli this summer, with two goals and two assists in three appearances. He contributed 32 goals in 42 appearances for Krasnodar last season and is shaping up to be a key weapon for coach Marino Pusic in the 2026-27 campaign.
Portuguese Star Joins Al Ahli
The Portuguese star, who moved to Al Ahli this summer, has quickly proven his quality with two goals in three appearances. Coming off four brilliant seasons with Sporting CP, where he contributed 31 goals in 54 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, his dribbling ability and knack for scoring and creating goals make him a standout name for the Saudi giants.
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