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Knockout Shuffle: Jeddah to Host Asia’s Elite Ties After the Draw

25 March 2026

Knockout Shuffle: Jeddah to Host Asia’s Elite Ties After the Draw
Knockout stage set in Jeddah ahead of Asia's Elite quarterfinals

Knockout phase adjustments in Jeddah after Asia draw

The Saudi Pro League is adjusting two fixtures for Al Hilal and Al Ahli after the AFC Elite Champions League draw, with the round of 16 matches scheduled as single-leg ties in Jeddah on April 13-14.

The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the round of 16 in the Elite competition will be played in Jeddah on those dates as single-leg affairs.

According to sources cited by a local outlet, the league is considering moving the Al Hilal vs Al Khaleej match from Saturday April 11 to Friday April 10, to avoid clashing with the April 13 date against Qatar’s Al Sadd.

That shift comes because Hilal’s schedule includes a clash with Al Sadd on April 13 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, in the Elite Round.

The same sources say the league is weighing moving the Al Ahli vs Al Fath game from Saturday April 11 to Friday April 10, should Al Ahli’s April 13 tie against Al Duhail be confirmed in the same round.

The quarterfinal draw shows: the winner of Hilal vs Al Sadd will face Vissel Kobe of Japan, while the winner of Al Ahli vs Al Duhail will meet Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia; the winner of Al Ittihad vs Al Wahda UAE will face Machida Zelvia of Japan, and the winner of Tractor vs Shabab Al-Ahli UAE will meet Buriram United of Thailand.

All knockouts will be hosted in Jeddah, reflecting the current regional conditions.

Punchline 1: If calendars could talk, they’d demand a vacation after all these schedule twists.

Punchline 2: The only thing sharper than the schedule is the referee’s whistle—talk about a plot twist in real time.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the fixtures being moved?

Because the AFC Elite Round of 16 is scheduled in Jeddah on April 13-14, requiring adjustments for teams with clashes and travel considerations.

Which matches could shift and when?

The Al Hilal vs Al Khaleej match could move to April 10, and the Al Ahli vs Al Fath match could also be moved to April 10 if Al Ahli’s April 13 game vs Al Duhail proceeds in the same round.

Who could the winners face in the quarterfinals?

Winners of Hilal/Al Sadd face Vissel Kobe; winners of Al Ahli/Al Duhail face Johor Darul Ta'zim; the other bracket pairs Al Ittihad with Al Wahda, and Tractor with Shabab Al-Ahli UAE versus Buriram United.