The eyes of Saudi football fans turn to East Asia, specifically Hong Kong, on Tuesday as the new football season kicks off with the Saudi Super Cup hosted in the city for the first time in the tournament’s history. The competition features a fierce clash between Al-Ittihad, the champion of the Saudi Professional League and King’s Cup, and Al-Nassr, who finished fourth last season. The match will be held at Hong Kong Stadium, which has a capacity of 40,000 spectators and is used for multiple sports including football and rugby. A large crowd is expected given the ticket sales prior to the tournament. Six clubs have won the title in previous editions, led by Al-Hilal with five titles, followed by Al-Nassr with two, and Al-Fateh, Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad each with one.

The first final was held on August 17, 2013, with Al-Fateh defeating Al-Ittihad 3-2, while the latest final on August 17, 2024, saw Al-Hilal beat their rivals Al-Nassr 4-1. Both Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad enter the Tuesday match after overseas training camps in multiple countries. Al-Nassr started in Austria, then moved to Portugal, finishing with a friendly in Spain, winning three out of four friendlies. Al-Ittihad held two camps in Spain and Portugal, playing five friendlies with four losses and one win. Al-Ittihad aims to add the title to their achievements under French coach Laurent Blanc, maintaining the same squad led by stars Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté. Fans are concerned about maintaining the team’s identity and strength from last season, which saw them win the league, cup, and qualify for the AFC Champions League and Saudi Super Cup. The club experienced administrative changes with Fahad Sindi replacing Louay Mushabi as club president.

Al-Ittihad’s goalkeeper Rajkovic remains injured and absent, with new signing Mohammed Al-Absi expected to be on the bench while Hamad Al-Shanqeeti starts. Expected starters include Hamad Al-Shanqeeti, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa, Metai, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Houssam Aouar, Moussa Diaby, Bergwijn, and Karim Benzema. On the other side, Al-Nassr starts the new season with high ambitions after major signings including Portuguese João Félix from Chelsea, Frenchman Coman from Bayern Munich, and Spanish defender Martínez from Barcelona, strengthening the squad under coach Jorge Jesus. Jesus, 71, aims for his second title with Al-Nassr and fourth overall after three titles with Al-Hilal in 2018-2019, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025. The new signings and fresh spirit make Al-Nassr a strong contender for the Super Cup. Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto continues to lead Al-Nassr’s goalkeeping, supported by Mohammed Simakan, Martínez, Sultan Al-Ghannam, and Nawaf Boushal.

Midfielders include Brozović, Ali Al-Hassan, João Félix, Manni, Coman, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Coman recently joined the team in Hong Kong and will participate depending on his fitness. Al-Nassr also made changes in executive, sports, and technical management aiming to start the season with a Super Cup victory. The winner of this match will advance to the final on Saturday, August 23, at the same stadium to face the winner of the Al-Ahli vs. Al-Qadsiah semi-final.