In Dammam, where the Gulf coast meets the eastern edge of Saudi football’s expanding map, Al Qadsiah welcome Qatar’s Al Sadd on 26 October with the AFC Champions League group stage beginning to take shape. The match is scheduled for 12:15pm in central Mexico and will be available there on ESPN and Disney+.
The third-round fixture will be played at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, also identified as EGO Stadium. Al Qadsiah have made a steady opening in Group B, taking four points from their first two matches through one win and one draw. That return leaves the Saudi side sixth in the standings, with three goals scored.
Julián Quiñones is central to the hosts’ attacking hopes. The Mexico forward made his mark in the opening round, heading Al Qadsiah in front during their 2-1 victory over UAE club Al Wasl. He had one goal from 174 minutes across his first two Asian Champions League appearances before this meeting.
His wider season has also strengthened his standing in Dammam. In the 2026-27 Saudi domestic campaign, Quiñones has recorded five goals and three assists, while also featuring among the Ballon d’Or nominees.
Al Sadd arrive needing a response
For Al Sadd, the journey from Qatar comes with rather different urgency. The Doha club sit at the foot of the group after consecutive defeats to Esteghlal and Al Hilal. They remain without a point, have yet to score in the competition, and have conceded five times in two games.
There is no meaningful recent head-to-head record between the two sides to offer a clear guide to the occasion. Instead, the evening in Dammam turns on contrasting early campaigns: Al Qadsiah can reinforce a promising start, while Al Sadd need a first goal and a first result to keep their route towards qualification open.
