RIYADH: Holders Al-Hilal-will begin their defense of the King’s Cup in Qassim province against first division side Al-Bukiryah, the Saudi Football Federation announced, posting the 2024/25 fixture list for the prestigious cup competition on Wednesday.
This year’s finalist Al-Nassr will also travel to Qassim to take on Al-Hazem as Cristiano Ronaldo and company try to end a long King’s Cup drought.
Ronaldo, who broke the all-time league scoring record this season, was in tears last month as Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal lifted the trophy after winning on penalties in a dramatic game in Jeddah.
Start-studded Al-Ittihad, who were finalist this year, will have a home opener against first division side Al-Ain.
Fellow Jeddah giants Al-Ahli will invite Al-Jandal to the Red Sea city to begin their cup ambitions.
Steven Gerrard-managed Ettifaq will take on Al-Adalah in an Eastern Province derby, in a bid to bring home the trophy to Dammam for a third time.
Kick-off times and venues are yet to be announced.
The King’s Cup, founded in 1957, is the premier club cup competition in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahli has won the trophy 13 times, the most of any club in the Kingdom, but Al-Hilal with victories this year and last have managed to close the gap with 11 cups.
FULL LIST OF FIXTURES:
Ettifaq vs. Al-Adalah
Al-Qadsiah vs. Al-Orobah
Al-Okhdood vs. Al-Arabi
Al-Wehda vs. Al-Faisaly
Al-Ahli vs. Al-Jandal
Abha vs. Al-Taawoun
Al-Hazem vs. Al-Nassr
Al-Fayha vs. Al-Batin
Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Ain
Al-Tai vs. Al-Khaleej
Al-Bukiryah vs. Al-Hilal
Al-Kholood vs. Al-Shabab
Al-Jabalin vs. Al-Fateh
Jeddah vs. Al-Raed
Al-Najmah vs. Damac
Al-Safa vs. Al-Riyadh
