The Competitions Department of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation issued an official decision to amend the date of the two semi-final matches of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup for the current sports season, which will bring together Al-Kholoud and Al-Ittihad in the first match, and the classic summit between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal in the second match.
New date and details of the decision
According to the statement, the two matches have been postponed to Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan, with both matches kicking off simultaneously at 10:00 PM. This adjustment was made in response to feedback from the clubs that qualified for this crucial round. The competitions department presented the clubs with a proposed schedule, allowing them to choose between the previously announced dates (March 16 and 17) or the new date, in full coordination with the Saudi Professional League to ensure the smooth running of the competitions.
The importance of the most prestigious cups and the fierce competition
The King's Cup matches hold immense importance in Saudi Arabian sports circles, being the most prestigious and oldest tournament in the country. Each team strives to win the coveted title and earn the honor of meeting the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match is considered an early final due to the two teams' long history in this competition, while Al-Ittihad seeks to reaffirm its strong presence and aims to pull off a major upset in this grand tournament.
Ramadan atmosphere and World Cup preparations
The choice of 10:00 PM is in keeping with the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and the general mood in the Kingdom, where matches played during Ramadan nights typically draw large crowds and generate exceptional enthusiasm. This decision also reflects the Saudi Football Federation's commitment to aligning organizational aspects and ensuring a level playing field and fair competition for all clubs, while taking into account the pressure of matches and various commitments.
In a related context, the Competitions Department confirmed that the current sports season will officially conclude on May 21, 2026. This relatively early conclusion comes as a strategic step aimed at giving the Saudi national team sufficient time to begin its training camp and prepare the players in the best possible way for the anticipated participation in the 2026 World Cup finals, reflecting the integration of the sports work system to serve the interests of Saudi football.
