Arab Club Cup set to return in July 2027 after four-season absence

The Arab Club Cup will return in 2027 after the Arab Union for Football Association approved plans to revive the competition as part of its 2026-27 season programme.

The next edition will take place between 21 July and 8 August 2027, although the host country has not yet been confirmed.

The decision was made at the 81st meeting of the Arab Union for Football Association’s board in Jeddah on Thursday, 1 October 2026. The meeting was chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, president of the Arab Union for Football Association.

Talks are reportedly taking place between the Arab Union for Football Association and Egyptian officials over the possibility of Egypt hosting the tournament. No final decision has been announced and the identity of the host nation remains subject to confirmation.

The competition has been absent for four seasons, with its most recent edition held in 2023. Al-Nassr won that tournament after beating fellow Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal 2-1 in the final.

Zamalek also took part in the 2023 edition but failed to reach the knockout stages. They finished third in their group with four points.

The Arab Club Cup’s return forms part of a wider programme of competitions approved for the 2026-27 season, covering both national teams and clubs.

The board also approved the union’s supporting committees during the meeting. In a statement published after the gathering, the Arab Union for Football Association praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino and welcomed efforts to strengthen the unity of international football.

The federation’s announcement confirmed the dates for the competition but did not provide details of the format, qualification process or the clubs expected to participate.

The 2023 tournament was the latest edition before the competition was suspended. Its final ended with Al-Nassr securing a 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal, giving them the title in the most recent staging of the event.

Further announcements are expected once discussions over the host country have been completed. For now, Egypt is the country linked with the organisation of the 2027 tournament, but the Arab Union for Football Association has yet to make that arrangement official.