Istanbul in line to host 2027 Spanish Super Cup as tournament date is moved

The Spanish Football Federation is close to confirming Istanbul as the host city for the 2027 Spanish Super Cup, with the tournament also expected to move from its traditional January slot to the beginning of February.

According to Radio Catalunya, Istanbul is currently the leading candidate to stage the next edition of the competition.

The change would end Saudi Arabia’s run as host of the Spanish Super Cup since 2020. The only exception during that period came in 2021, when the tournament was played at La Cartuja in Spain.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation apologised for not being able to host the next edition because the country is due to stage the Asian Cup from 7 January to 5 February. Those dates overlap with the original schedule for the Spanish Super Cup.

If Istanbul is confirmed, Turkey would become only the third country outside Spain to host the competition. Morocco and Saudi Arabia are the other two nations to have staged the tournament abroad.

The proposed move would not be limited to the venue. Reports indicate that the Spanish Football Federation has also decided to alter the timing of the tournament, with the competition set to take place at the start of February rather than at the beginning of January.

The four teams due to compete in the 2027 Spanish Super Cup are already known. Barcelona will enter as La Liga champions, while Real Sociedad qualify as Copa del Rey winners. Real Madrid will take part as runners-up in La Liga, with Atletico de Madrid included as Copa del Rey runners-up.

Barcelona have won the last two editions of the Spanish Super Cup. In the most recent final, they beat Real Madrid 3-2, having defeated the same opponents 5-2 in 2025.

The Spanish Super Cup has therefore produced consecutive all-Spanish heavyweight finals involving Barcelona and Real Madrid, although the next edition could bring a different setting if Istanbul is selected.

A final decision on the host country has not yet been announced, but Istanbul is regarded as the strongest option as preparations continue for the 2027 competition.