Clashing Quarters: Saudi King’s Cup Set for a Fiery Quarterfinal Run

Tonight's draw for the King’s Cup quarterfinals for the 2025-2026 season revealed a lineup of high-stakes clashes expected to heat up the road to the trophy. The eight qualified teams arrive with big ambitions and closely matched levels, featuring giants like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli, making the path to the semifinals wide open.

While there were no major shocks in the previous round, the standout moment of the Round of 16 was Al-Nassr's 2-1 loss to Al-Ittihad, a result that pings laughter at the start of every season but never at the scoreboard. The eight teams advancing from that round are Al-Khaleej, Al-Fateh, Al-Khulood, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah, Al-Shabab, and Al-Hilal, all ready to chase glory.

Defending champions Al-Ittihad were drawn to face Al-Shabab, a heavyweight clash given their history and massive fanbases. Ittihad progressed with a 2-1 victory over Al-Nassr in the derby, with Karim Benzema's strike at 15 minutes and Houssam Ouarr's finish at 45+2, while Al-Nassr's Angelo Gabriel hit the net at 30. Al-Shabab reached the quarterfinals thanks to a 1-0 win over Al-Zulfi.

In another eye-catching pairing, Al-Hilal meet Al-Fateh, a tie that theoretically tilts in favor of the leaders, who beat Akhdood 1-0 to reach this stage, while Fateh advanced past Abha 2-0. Al-Ahli clash with Al-Qadsiah after Al-Ahli eliminated Al-Batin 3-0 and Qadsiah navigated a tougher route to the quarters, their progress hinting at a thrilling duel.

The remaining fixture, Al-Khulood versus Al-Khaleej, promises a balanced encounter after Khulood beat Al-Najma and Khaleej edged via penalties past Al-Tawoun in a dramatic shootout.

Meanwhile, the classic clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr lights up the quarterfinals, with Ittihad reclaiming form after a patchy run this season. They edged the Al-Nassr juggernaut 2-1 in the cup, thanks to Benzema and Ouarr, while Angelo Gabriel had pulled a goal back for Nasr. Nasr had been flying high under Jorge Jesus, their first manager’s run since taking charge, though this cup exit reminded everyone that form can wobble as quickly as a football in the air.

Shifting focus to the historical angle, the King’s Cup title totals place Al-Hilal at the top with nine crowns, followed by Al-Ahli on eight, Al-Ittihad with six, and Al-Nassr on five, a ladder of legends that keeps this tournament steeped in pride.