Sundowns rise to 58th in world rankings after Intercontinental Cup win

Mamelodi Sundowns have climbed to 58th in the world after beating Al Ahli 2-1 to win the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

The African champions defeated the Asian champions at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, securing their place in the third round of the Intercontinental Cup, known as the Challenger Cup.

Their latest success has strengthened Sundowns’ position as Africa’s leading club. They entered the match ranked number one on the continent after winning the CAF Champions League last season, and their victory over Al Ahli has now lifted them higher in the global standings compiled weekly by the FootballDatabase website.

Sundowns are now above several established European clubs, including West Ham United, who sit 63rd, Tottenham Hotspur in 74th and Ajax Amsterdam in 90th.

The result also reflected the rankings gap between the two sides. Al Ahli, who are third in Saudi Arabia behind Al Hilal and Al Nassr, are ranked 109th worldwide. Despite winning back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, the Saudi club are third in Asia behind the same two domestic rivals.

Miguel Cardoso’s side produced a performance built around the club’s “shoeshine and piano” philosophy. Their quick, accurate passing was combined with the individual flair associated with the Chloorkop-based team, offering a global audience an example of the quality in South African football.

Sundowns’ route to the final

Sundowns will next meet the winner of the Derby of the Americas in the Challenger Cup.

That match will be contested by Toluca, the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, and the eventual champions of the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Toluca are ranked 80th in the world and are currently the top-ranked club in North America.

The Copa Libertadores is at the semi-final stage, with Fluminense facing Palmeiras and Estudiantes playing Flamengo in two-legged ties. The winners of those semi-finals will meet in the final, with the eventual Libertadores champions then taking on Sundowns.

The winner of the Challenger Cup will progress to the Intercontinental Cup final, where Paris Saint-Germain, the holders of the UEFA Champions League, await.

A victory in that match would provide Sundowns with another opportunity to improve their position in the world rankings.