OFC Pro League champions Auckland FC begin their FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ campaign this week when they face Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
As well as lifting the Pro League trophy at Eden Park back in May, qualification for FIFA's annual club tournament was another reward for the New Zealand side.
It represents the club's first foray into international competition, with their opponents one of Saudi Arabia's biggest names. Al-Ahli qualified virtue of their success in the AFC Champions League Elite, beating Japan's Machida Zelvia in the final in April of this year.
Coached by Marino Pušić, Al-Ahli is home to a number of high profile stars, including Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, England international Ivan Toney and former FC Barcelona and Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincão.
They also boast an impressive trophy cabinet. Their AFC Champions League Elite victory earlier this year was their second in club history, to go alongside nine Saudi Pro League titles and eight King's Cup successes.
If Auckland FC are able to secure a memorable win this week, they would go on to face South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns FC in Pretoria next month.