14/10/2026
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14/10/2026
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KUWAIT, Oct 14 (KUNA): Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma said Kuwait’s hosting of the Saudi Super Cup will be a valuable addition to the country’s sporting calendar and reflect confidence in its organizational capabilities.
Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the tournament’s draw ceremony on Wednesday, Al-Jalahma said hosting the competition forms part of Kuwait’s efforts to establish itself as a regional destination for major sporting events, promote sports tourism and attract fans from Kuwait and abroad.
He said the initiative would contribute positively to sporting, economic, and tourism activities.
Al-Jalahma stressed that the government places great importance on providing the resources and facilities needed to ensure the tournament’s success.
He added that coordination between government bodies and the private sector reflects an effective partnership in organizing major sporting events and delivering a tournament that showcases the standing of both Kuwaiti and Saudi football.
Hosting the widely followed competition also offers an opportunity to highlight Kuwait’s sports facilities and the organizational and administrative expertise of its national professionals, he said.
Al-Jalahma reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to attracting more sporting tournaments and events that support the development of the sports sector and strengthen its presence regionally and internationally.
He also praised the longstanding historical and fraternal ties between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia under the leadership of both countries, noting that hosting the Saudi Super Cup reflects the strength of these relations and the growing cooperation and integration between the two nations in sports.
The draw for the 13th edition of the Saudi Super Cup on Wednesday set up a semifinal clash between Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli, while Al-Nassr will face Al-Kholood at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait.
The draw ceremony was held in Kuwait in the presence of Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad Al-Saud, representatives of the participating Saudi clubs, and several officials.
The semifinals will begin on December 19, with Al-Qadsiah taking on Al-Ahli, followed by Al-Nassr’s meeting with Al-Kholood the next day. The final is scheduled for December 23.
Tournament Director Khaled Al-Sayer, representing the organizing Al-Rai and Aayan groups, said Kuwait’s hosting of the tournament was made possible by the support and directives of the country’s political leadership, which places great importance on youth and sports.
He said the event reflected the longstanding fraternal ties between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Al-Sayer thanked the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for placing its confidence in Kuwait’s ability to host the competition. He also expressed appreciation to government bodies for their cooperation and efforts in supporting the organization of the tournament.
He stressed that the organizing committee was committed to providing football fans with a distinctive sporting experience that reflects the tournament’s stature and showcases Kuwait’s capacity to stage major sporting events.
The ceremony included a video presentation tracing the Saudi Super Cup’s history and major milestones since its inception, as well as a presentation introducing the clubs competing in this edition.
The draw was conducted by Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Youth and Sports Bashar Abdullah, a former professional player for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, and retired Kuwaiti footballer Ali Marwi, who previously played professionally for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli.
Launched in 2013, the Saudi Super Cup has been won five times by Al-Hilal, the competition’s most successful club. Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli have claimed two titles each, while Al-Ittihad, Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab have won the trophy once apiece.
Al-Ahli is the defending champion after winning the previous edition in Hong Kong, while Abderrazak Hamdallah remains the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with seven goals.
