King's Cup 2025/26

The King’s Cup is a domestic knockout competition in Saudi Arabia. It is the primary cup tournament in the country, open to 32 clubs from the national league system. The format relies on a single-leg final, deciding the champion in one match.

The tournament has seen various iterations since its inception. While originally established in the late 1950s, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation revised the official founding date to 1966 in 2025. A significant hiatus occurred between 1991 and 2007, after which the event was re-established. This period of dormancy distinguishes its modern era, though the competition itself remains a staple of the football calendar.

Al-Hilal holds the record for success, having won the title ten times. This dominance places them at the forefront of the competition’s history. In the most recent season, 2024–25, Al-Ittihad claimed the trophy by defeating Al-Qadsiah 3–1 in the final. They became the reigning champions, taking the prize away from previous holders.

The competition is distinct from the defunct Federation Cup, also known as the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Cup. While that earlier tournament has ceased, the King’s Cup continues to operate under its current structure. It serves as a direct pathway for clubs to compete for national honours outside of the league standings.

The term is sometimes used elsewhere, such as in Spain for the Copa del Rey or in Thailand for an international invitational. However, within the context of Saudi football, it refers specifically to this domestic knockout series. It does not involve two-legged semi-finals or lower-tier qualifiers in the same manner as other regional cups. The focus remains on the top-flight clubs vying for the silverware in a straightforward, high-stakes environment.