Al Hilal begin King’s Cup title defence against Al Raed

Al Hilal will start their Saudi King’s Cup title defence against Al Raed on 17 August 2026, as they attempt to retain the only major trophy they won during the previous season.

The Saudi club enter the 2026-27 competition with Italian manager Simone Inzaghi in charge. Inzaghi took over at Al Hilal in summer 2025 and is aiming to restore the club’s status as one of Saudi Arabia’s dominant forces by challenging for the Roshn Saudi League, the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.

Al Hilal’s victory in the King’s Cup was their sole success last season, making the competition particularly significant as they seek further silverware under their current head coach.

The King’s Cup remains one of the most important tournaments in Saudi football, both competitively and in terms of its appeal to supporters. Although the leading clubs face intense competition for the Roshn Saudi League title, the cup carries its own prestige and regularly produces unexpected results.

Al Hilal’s opening fixture will be played in the round of 32 against Al Raed. Their route beyond that stage will be decided by the draw after each round, provided they continue to progress.

King’s Cup format

The 2026-27 King’s Cup will be played as a straight knockout competition, with each tie decided over one match. That format will apply from the round of 32 through to the final.

A fresh draw will take place after every round to determine the next set of fixtures. As a result, Al Hilal’s opponents in later stages will not be known until they have negotiated the previous round.

The club’s campaign therefore begins with a single-match contest against Al Raed, with no second leg scheduled at the opening stage. Victory would take Al Hilal into the next round, where the draw would establish their subsequent opponents.

Broadcast details

Thmanyah holds the rights to show the 2026-27 King’s Cup in the Middle East and North Africa. Its agreement covers the competition through the 2030-31 season.

Supporters who want to watch the matches online can use the Thmanyah application. Viewers outside the region can use NordVPN to access a secure and fast internet connection while following the tournament.

Al Hilal’s defence begins on 17 August 2026, with the club hoping that success in the King’s Cup can provide the foundation for a wider challenge for domestic honours under Inzaghi.