Mamelodi Sundowns have full squad available for Al Ahli Intercontinental Cup tie

Mamelodi Sundowns will be able to call on every eligible player when they face Asian champions Al Ahli in Round Two of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The match will be Sundowns’ first appearance in the competition, which brings together the champions of all six confederations. It is also the biggest fixture of the season so far for the Tshwane club.

Head coach Miguel Cardoso has no suspension concerns before the game, with Sundowns having satisfied the eligibility requirements set out by FIFA for the 2026 tournament.

Article 8 of the Regulations for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 confirms that the club has no suspended players, leaving Cardoso with a full-strength squad from which to select his team.

Sundowns have also complied with the conditions contained in Article 16 of the regulations and have avoided the disciplinary measures outlined in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Under the regulations, players may take part in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 only if they are properly registered with their club in line with the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and the rules of the relevant Participating Club’s Member Association.

The regulations add: “Therefore, the requirements that shall be met for players to be eligible to participate in the Intercontinental Cup 2026 include, but are not limited to:

“Infringements concerning the eligibility of players shall be decided by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Another requirement was for Sundowns to submit an extensive and realistic provisional squad list to FIFA no later than 14 days before the match.

That submission had to include at least two goalkeepers, together with each player’s surname, first name, date of birth and passport number. Details of the head coach were also required.

The provisional list does not restrict Sundowns’ options. Additional players can be included up to the day before the fixture, while further changes may be made at the club’s discretion until 90 minutes before kick-off.

That gives Cardoso considerable flexibility in finalising his squad for the meeting with Al Ahli.

If the match remains level after 90 minutes, it will proceed to extra time, adding another significant element to Sundowns’ historic debut at Loftus Versfeld.