CAF Champions League final first leg goes global as broadcasters line up for Mamelodi Sundowns vs AS FAR clash

The CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR is set to command a truly global audience, with the decisive showdown scheduled for broadcast across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Major international broadcasters, including beIN Sports, CANAL+, DAZN, SuperSport and Channel 4 are among the networks carrying the highly anticipated contest, underlining the competition’s growing global footprint and commercial appeal.

From regional platforms such as SABC and Azam TV to leading European and Asian sports broadcasters, millions of viewers are expected to tune in as two of the continent’s historic clubs battle for the ultimate prize in African club football.

The expanded international coverage has been widely viewed as a milestone moment for the tournament, reflecting sustained efforts to elevate the visibility of African football on the world stage. CAF’s Head of TV & Broadcasting, Luxolo September, has been credited with playing a central role in driving the competition’s global broadcast expansion.

The first leg will be played on Sunday, 17 May 2026, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, South Africa, with kick-off set for 16h00 local time (14h00 GMT).

On the pitch, the final brings together two former champions of Africa’s premier club competition. Mamelodi Sundowns, winners in 2016, are chasing a second continental crown, while Morocco’s AS FAR are aiming to end a 41-year wait for glory since their historic triumph in 1985.

Beyond the sporting prestige, the stakes are also financial. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe recently confirmed that the winners of the CAF Champions League will receive a record USD 6 million prize, representing a 50 per cent increase and further raising the competitive intensity of the final.

With global broadcasters locked in, historic narratives on both sides, and millions watching around the world, the stage is set for a final that extends far beyond the continent’s borders.