A fiery road for Al-Ahly in the AFC Champions League Elite: starting with Al-Ain and ending in Qatar
Al-Ahli Saudi's path in the league stage of the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite
Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli face a brutal league stage in the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Elite. The draw in Kuala Lumpur handed them a run of direct clashes with the giants of the Gulf and Central Asia.
The Asian champions open at home against the UAE's Al-Ain, a heavyweight tie laced with revenge and huge fan appeal. Two away fixtures follow: Qatar's Al-Sadd in Doha, then Uzbekistan's Nasaf on one of the toughest trips in Asian football.
Back in Jeddah, Al-Ahli host two on the bounce. First comes an eagerly awaited Gulf derby against the UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli, then Qatar's Al-Gharafa, a golden chance to bank six points and strengthen their qualification hopes.
The decisive stretch takes them to the UAE's Al-Wasl, before they welcome Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor to Jeddah. Their league-stage campaign then ends with another trip to Qatar and a meeting with Al-Shamal, a finale that could settle their place in the knockout rounds.
