Al-Ain and Al-Jazira set for high-stakes President’s Cup final showdown

Al-Ain FC and Al Jazira Club are preparing for a highly anticipated President’s Cup final, renewing a rivalry that last reached the competition’s climax a decade ago.

The two clubs will meet in the 2025-26 President’s Cup Final at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, with Al-Ain appearing in the final for a record 16th time while Al-Jazira aim to win the trophy for the first time in 10 years.

The occasion carries added significance after the clubs’ previous final meeting in 2016, when Al-Jazira defeated Al-Ain in a penalty shootout to secure the title. Players from both sides said the latest chapter in the rivalry could become one of the defining moments of the UAE football season.

For Al-Ain forward Soufiane Rahimi, the match offers a chance to complete his collection of domestic and continental honours since arriving in the UAE in 2021. Rahimi has already won two UAE Pro League titles, the UAE League Cup and the AFC Champions League Elite with Al-Ain, but the President’s Cup has so far remained out of reach.

“It’s a dream of mine, and I truly hope we are crowned champions,” Rahimi said ahead of the final. “It’s the only trophy I haven’t won yet with Al-Ain.”

Al-Jazira, meanwhile, enter the match determined to end a decade-long wait for the competition’s top prize. Playing on home ground has added extra motivation for the Abu Dhabi club.

“It’s been 10 years since the club won this cup, so it’s very important for us,” said striker Simon Banza. “And we play in our stadium, so it’s amazing.”

Among the key figures for Al-Jazira is midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who joined the club after spells with Arsenal FC and FC Basel. Elneny enjoyed a strong debut season in the UAE, winning the UAE League Cup and earning the UAE Pro League Player of the Season award.

“It would mean a lot for me and for the club and the fans, and we will fight to lift the trophy,” Elneny said.

Both clubs have also moved to strengthen supporter turnout by purchasing their entire ticket allocations and distributing them free of charge to fans.

Veteran goalkeeper and Al-Jazira captain Ali Khaseif urged supporters to fill the stadium and back the team on one of the biggest nights of the season.

From the Al-Ain camp, defender Ramy Rabia called on supporters to stand behind the players as they chase another major title.

With history, rivalry and silverware all at stake, the final is expected to draw huge attention across UAE football.