Derby of the Red Sea: Ahli vs Ittihad Set for Asian Elite Cup Showdown
18 February 2026
Jeddah's Two Giants Ignite a Continental Derby
Jeddah's two giants renew their continental rivalry.
The Elite AFC Champions League sparked a fresh rivalry between Jeddah's two giants, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad again today, as fans roar across stadiums.
Al Ahli advanced to the Elite Round of 16 after finishing second in the Western Group, while Al Ittihad qualified after finishing fourth.
Reliable Saudi journalist Majed Hood said, via his official X account, that Al Ittihad began moving to host the Round of 16 second leg at Al-Inma Stadium, instead of transferring it to Prince Abdullah Al Faisal.
Al Ahli will face Qatar’s Al-Duhail, seventh in the West group, while Al Ittihad will meet UAE’s Al Wahda, fifth.
The two teams will play the Round of 16 second legs in the Elite AFC Cup on March 9 and 10 in Jeddah, which could move one match away from Al-Inma.
Al Ahli are the defending champions, having won it last season, first time in their history, while Al Ittihad seek title after a 21-year drought, since their second and last in 2005, hoping for redemption—and yes, the popcorn is ready.
