Kuwait to host Saudi Super Cup in December

The signing ceremony taking place.

RIYADH, Sept 14 (KUNA): Kuwait will host the 13th Saudi Football Super Cup for the 2026-27 season from December 19 to 23, under an agreement signed Monday in the presence of Kuwait Football Association Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef and Saudi Football Association Chairman Bader Al-Ruzayza.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Al-Rai Media Group CEO Rashid Al-Omairi, Aayan Leasing and Investment CEO Abdullah Al-Shatti, and SMC Vibes CEO Sultan Al-Sheikh.

Under the agreement, the Al-Rai-Aayan alliance will serve as the tournament’s official host partner.

The competition will be held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, featuring four Saudi clubs -- Al-Nassr, Al-Khulood, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah.

The tournament draw will be held in Kuwait on October 14 to determine the two semifinal matchups, with ticket sales to begin thereafter.

Kuwait will become the eighth destination to host the Saudi Super Cup, following previous editions in Makkah, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha, as well as London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef welcomed Kuwait’s hosting of the tournament, describing it as a valuable addition to the Gulf sports calendar and expressing confidence that it would be a successful edition.

He said the event reflects the deep fraternal ties between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while highlighting the strong interest of Kuwaiti fans in Saudi football.

Al-Ruzayza said the Saudi Super Cup occupies an important position among the competitions organized by the Saudi Football Association, stressing ongoing efforts to develop the tournament and enhance its commercial and fan appeal.

He added that staging the upcoming edition in Kuwait represents a historic opportunity to expand the tournament’s presence in the Gulf, reach wider audiences, and build partnerships that support the development and sustainability of Saudi football.

Aayan Leasing and Investment Vice Chairman Fahad Al-Ghanim said the Al-Rai-Aayan alliance reflects the Kuwaiti private sector’s ability to contribute effectively to sports development and major events.

He stressed the private sector’s role in improving the business environment and supporting Kuwait’s development, adding that the alliance would utilize its resources and expertise to deliver a tournament that meets the expectations of participating teams and fans.

Al-Omairi attributed the hosting agreement to the support of Kuwait’s political leadership and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s directives to strengthen public-private partnerships.

He said hosting the tournament would provide an opportunity to showcase Kuwait’s organizational capabilities and strengthen confidence in its ability to stage major international sporting events.

SMC Vibes CEO Sultan Al-Sheikh said the tournament’s arrival in Kuwait would further expand its reach and enhance its commercial value for partners and fans.

Meanwhile, Al-Rai International Advertising CEO Khaled Al-Sayer said special activities would accompany the tournament and be announced soon, noting strong expected interest from fans.

Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, had earlier announced that Kuwait would host the Saudi Super Cup in December, describing it as an important Gulf sporting event that would strengthen Kuwait’s position as a destination for major sports competitions.