Mamelodi Sundowns have been crowned champions of the CAF Champions League 2025/26 season after completing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat, sealing their second continental title since 2016.
A 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final played in Rabat on Sunday was enough to secure the trophy, following Sundowns’ narrow 1-0 win in the first leg at home. The South African giants showed tactical discipline and resilience across both legs to edge out the North African side.
The triumph also earns Sundowns the record CAF Champions League prize of USD 6 million, along with qualification for multiple international competitions.
Qualification for CAF Super Cup 2026
As CAF Champions League winners, Sundowns will now face Algerian side USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup 2026.
The one-off showdown will pit the winners of Africa’s two premier club competitions against each other. Both clubs have previously lifted the Super Cup trophy:
Sundowns won it in 2017 after defeating TP Mazembe 1-0
USM Alger claimed the title in 2023 after beating Al Ahly 1-0
FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 Qualification
Sundowns have also secured a place in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026, where continental champions from around the world compete for global supremacy.
They will represent Africa alongside elite clubs from other confederations, including:
- Al Hilal SFC (Asia)
- Auckland City FC (Oceania)
Sundowns are set to face the winner of Al Hilal vs Auckland City in the second round, while Europe’s representative will be confirmed after the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC.
Road to FIFA Club World Cup 2029
Beyond immediate continental success, Sundowns have also booked a place at the FIFA Club World Cup 2029.
The expanded global tournament rewards sustained excellence, with CAF Champions League winners from 2025 to 2028 earning automatic qualification. Sundowns’ victory ensures their return to the world stage after their previous appearance in the United States.
Sundowns’ continental triumph not only reaffirms their dominance in African football but also opens a historic pathway into multiple global competitions, placing the South African champions among the elite clubs on the world stage.
