A golden night at the Radiant Jewel. Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli is the champion of Asia

Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli won the  2026  AFC Champions League title after beating Japan's Mashida Ziroubia with a goal without reply, in the final match hosted at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

Al-Ahli's only goal came through striker Firas Al-Breikan in the 96th  minute of the first extra half, after a closed and difficult match that witnessed Al-Ahli's tactical superiority and remarkable defensive resilience from the Japanese team.

Al-Ahly suffered a painful blow during the original time after Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off with a red card in the  68th minute, which forced the team to complete the match with ten players, before succeeding in snatching the winning goal in extra time.

Al-Ahli's crowning came to confirm its continental dominance after an exceptional season during which it performed at consistent levels, thus maintaining its title as champion of the Asian continent for the second year in a row.

The final witnessed a large crowd attendance that supported the Saudi team until the last moments, while Al-Ahli's stars, led by Riyad Mahrez and Evan, continued to provide a distinctive performance that contributed to strengthening the team's strength this season, both locally and continentally.

Al-Ahli reached the final after defeating Japan's Vissel Kobe 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Machida qualified after beating the UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli by a goal for nothing.

Al-Ahli is currently in second place in the Saudi Pro League, continuing a successful season at various levels, confirming its strong return to the Asian podiums.