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