Darbha handed holders Los Troncos in Kings League World Cup opener as Yamal and Neymar take part

Darbha will launch their Kings League World Cup campaign against reigning champions Los Troncos in Milan on 26 July, as World Cup winner Lamine Yamal and Brazil star Neymar headline a stellar line-up of team presidents in the competition.

The tournament, staged in the Italian city from 26 July to 1 August, brings together 16 of the best Kings League teams from across the globe in what organisers describe as the biggest event yet in the rapidly expanding franchise.

The Middle East and North Africa region will be represented by Darbha, champions of the regional Kings League, and fellow qualifiers Fawaz. Both sides travel to Italy targeting a strong Arab showing on the global stage.

Fawaz are co-presided over by Saudi content creator Musaed Al-Fawzan, whose involvement underlines the growing presence of Arab influencers within the international Kings League ecosystem.

Tough start for Darbha and Fawaz

Darbha face a daunting assignment in their opening match when they meet Spanish side Los Troncos, last season’s Kings League World Cup winners, in one of the standout ties of the first round on 26 July.

Fawaz begin their own campaign a day later, on 27 July, against Atletico Parceros, the team fronted by Colombia international James Rodriguez.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Darbha said that returning to the Kings League environment via the World Cup stage offers a major source of motivation for his side and that their ambitions go far beyond simply taking part.

He added: “نشعر بحماس كبير للعودة الى المنافسات، وميلانو تمثل محطة مهمة بالنسبة لنا. نطمح الى تمثيل السعودية بافضل صورة، ونومن باننا قادرون على المنافسة على اللقب. لدينا فريق مميز، ونسعى لتقديم كرة تليق بجمهورنا”.

Darbha explained that the team draws inspiration from the Morocco national team’s eye-catching run at the FIFA World Cup, citing their collective mentality as a model.

He said: “اقرب مثال لنا هو منتخب المغرب، ليس لاننا نقلده، وانما لانه يلعب بروح جماعية ولا يستسلم ابدا. قد لا يضعنا البعض بين المرشحين، لكن داخل الملعب كل شيء مختلف، نلعب بقلبنا، ونقاتل على كل كرة، ونومن باننا قادرون على الفوز امام اي منافس”.

Fawaz targeting ‘big achievement’

Fawaz stressed that his side arrive in Milan with high expectations following their triumph in the Kings League Middle East and North Africa competition, and that their objective is to extend that successful run into the global event.

He said: “قدمنا مستويات اسعدت جماهيرنا في البطولة الاقليمية، ونتطلع الى تكرار ذلك في ميلانو. ندخل كاس العالم بالعقلية نفسها التي خضنا بها دوري الملوك في المنطقة، وهي السعي للفوز بكل مباراة. نثق بامكانات فريقنا، ونومن باننا قادرون على تحقيق انجاز كبير في هذه النسخة”.

Fawaz also underlined the wider significance of representing the Arab world on such a stage, framing it as both a privilege and a responsibility.

He added: “تمثيل العالم العربي في بطولة بهذا الحجم، مسوولية نعتز بها، ونتمنى ان تعكس مشاركتنا المستوى الحقيقي لكرة القدم في منطقتنا. رسالتنا هي ان الفرق العربية قادرة على منافسة افضل الفرق في العالم، وهذه ليست سوى بداية لما يمكن ان نقدمه على الساحة الدولية”.

Format and backdrop to a fast-growing league

The 16 participating teams have all qualified through Kings League competitions held around the world during the 2025-2026 season.

The tournament format guarantees each team at least two matches in the opening phase. Sides that record two wins will advance to the knockout rounds, while those who suffer two defeats will be eliminated.

The Kings League itself is a global, entertainment-driven football competition created by former Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. It blends football with digital content and innovative match rules, and features teams presided over by high-profile footballers, content creators and influencers, including figures such as Lamine Yamal and Neymar.

Since its launch, the league has attracted millions of followers worldwide and has become one of the fastest-growing football competitions, with the World Cup in Milan positioned as its flagship international event.