The King’s Cup Showdown: Hilal and Ahli Rekindle Saudi Football's Greatest Rivalry

King’s Cup semi-final stakes

The semi-final draw delivered a heavyweight clash between Al Hilal and Al Ahli Jeddah, a fixture that fans hope will live up to the Cup’s legacy. Hilal reached the last four after a 4-1 win over Al Fateh, while Al Ahli advanced with a dramatic 5-4 shootout victory over Al Qadisiyah after a 3-3 draw across regular and extra time. On the other side, Al Ittihad Jeddah will face Al Khlood, with both ties slated for late February 2026; dates are not yet fixed.

Past clashes and context

History between the teams in the King’s Cup is defined by fierce duels, stubborn resistance, and moments that swing the balance. Eight prior meetings have produced three Hilal wins, four for Ahli, and one draw, underscoring a tight and bruising head-to-head.

From finals in 1976-77 to dramatic semi-finals in later decades, these teams have supplied Cup memories, including the 1983-84 showdown and the 2011-12 double-header that kept the trophy within reach. In 2015-16, Ahli edged Hilal 3-2 in the semi-finals, only for the green club to lift the trophy the following season in another 3-2 outcome.

Looking ahead

Eight years on, the two Saudi giants meet again in the King’s Cup, a clash that carries a long memory and fresh expectations. With eight years since their last Cup meeting in this round, the drama is guaranteed to be high.

Punchline: If football were a stand-up show, these two would close every set with a goal and a groan from the crowd.

Punchline 2: If this rivalry brewed any hotter, we’d need espresso shots for every whistle.

Meanwhile, fans will dissect every highlight, criticise every substitution, and celebrate when a clearly offside moment finally explains itself to the referee—sport, sometimes, is equal parts art and comedy.