Three games open the 2026-27 campaign

The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season got underway on Thursday with three games on the opening day, and several familiar names were in action.

Al-Ahli 1-0 Diriyah

Al-Ahli started life under new boss Marino Pusic with a 1-0 win over newly promoted Diriyah Club, thanks to a debut goal from Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan. The €25m signing from Krasnodar proved the difference on a tense night in Jeddah.

Al-Qadsiah 3-1 Al-Shabab

Elsewhere, Al-Qadsiah beat Al-Shabab 3-1, with Julian Quiñones scoring twice and Rogério scoring the other, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan pulled one back for Al-Shabab.

Al-Hazem 2-1 Abha

And Al-Hazem won 2-1 at Abha, with new signing Anselmo Silva scoring both goals on his debut.

What's next

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr begin their title defence against Al-Fateh on Saturday, while last season's runners-up Al-Hilal face Al-Faisaly on Friday.