Jeddah Police qualify for the semi-finals of the Jeddah Championship 2026 after eliminating the National Guard
In a thrilling football match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Jeddah Police team secured the first spot in the semi-finals of the Jeddah 2026 football tournament. This well-deserved qualification came after a dramatic encounter with the National Guard team from the Western Sector, which ended in a penalty shootout (4-2) after a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. The match was played Tuesday evening at the Olympic Village Stadium.
The match and the historic comeback
were dramatic twists and turns, reflecting the fierce competition in this edition of the tournament. Both teams delivered a high level of performance, with excitement continuing until the very last moments. The National Guard team came very close to securing victory when they led 3-2 against the Police, but the Police players' determination and refusal to give up enabled them to equalize in stoppage time, ultimately prevailing in the penalty shootout and eliminating the defending champions.
a
stepping stone to the semi-finals; it carried a sporting dimension of revenge for the Police team. They managed to avenge their earlier defeat to the National Guard (the 2025 champions), who had previously beaten them 2-1 in the opening match of Group B. With this win, the Police team killed two birds with one stone: avenging their group stage loss and dethroning the champions early, thus confirming their readiness to compete strongly for the championship title.
Championship
is gaining increasing importance in the local sports scene, as it is one of the events that promotes sportsmanship and fair competition between government sectors and amateur teams. This championship aligns with the significant sporting movement taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the goals of Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to increase the percentage of people participating in sports and enhance sports infrastructure. The advancement of teams representing vital sectors such as the police and the National Guard reflects the growing interest in physical activity and sports within government institutions.
the highly anticipated semi-final clash
this coming Friday (February 27th), as the Jeddah Police team prepares to compete in what promises to be an exciting encounter. They will face the winner of the match between Jeddah's Salam University team and Mecca's Noor Academy. This crucial match will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City (The Shining Jewel) auxiliary stadium, adding a professional edge and generating significant fan interest. This is especially true as it marks the first direct clash in this round between government and amateur teams, promising a high-caliber tactical battle.
