Mamelodi Sundowns set for Challenger Cup clash on FIFA Intercontinental Cup route

Mamelodi Sundowns will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas in the Challenger Cup after their success in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup opened the next stage of their FIFA Intercontinental Cup campaign.

The South African club defeated Al Ahli Saudi FC on Saturday to add a historic trophy to their collection. Their reward is a place in a match regarded as the semi-final of the Intercontinental Cup, scheduled for December.

CONCACAF champions Toluca FC are waiting to discover whether they will meet the winner of the Copa Libertadores in the Derby of the Americas. The South American competition has reached its semi-final stage, with three Brazilian teams and one Argentine club still competing.

SE Palmeiras, CR Flamengo and Fluminense FC represent Brazil, while Estudiantes de La Plata are the remaining side from Argentina. The semi-final ties will be played in October, with Estudiantes facing Flamengo and Fluminense meeting Palmeiras.

The Copa Libertadores final is scheduled for 28 November in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The three Brazilian clubs involved are members of the group known as Os Doze Grandes, or the Big Twelve.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso and his analysis team will now begin detailed preparations for the possible opponents. Cardoso is known for carrying out extensive research before matches, and the club already have recent experience of facing one of the teams still in the Libertadores.

Sundowns played Fluminense at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with that match ending in a goalless draw.

The Challenger Cup is most likely to be held in Qatar in December. Its winner will progress to the Intercontinental Cup final, where UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are waiting.

FIFA has not yet confirmed the dates for the final three matches of the Intercontinental Cup. The remaining fixtures will involve four clubs and are all expected to take place before Christmas.