Saudi Pro League season set to begin with three matches on Thursday

The new Saudi Pro League season begins on Thursday, 13 August 2026, with three fixtures scheduled, including Al Ahli’s meeting with newly promoted Al-Diriyah.

The opening match sees Abha face Al Hazem at 19:15 local time, before Al Qadsiah travel to play Al Shabab at 21:00.

The day’s Saudi Pro League programme concludes with Al Ahli taking on Al-Diriyah. Al Ahli go into the fixture as Asian champions, while Al-Diriyah are beginning life in the top flight after securing promotion.

The three matches form the opening action in the Saudi competition and represent the main football schedule for Thursday.

A full list of the day’s fixtures and broadcast channels is also available for supporters seeking details of the other matches and coverage.

Atletico Madrid prepare for new season

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid will play Mirandes in a friendly as part of their preparations for the start of the new season.

That match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00.

Attention will focus on whether Julian Alvarez features for Atletico Madrid. The forward has repeatedly asked to leave the club, with Barcelona specifically reported as his preferred destination.

His potential involvement is therefore one of the main points of interest surrounding the friendly, although the match is primarily intended to help Atletico Madrid prepare for the campaign ahead.

The fixture list was published at 10:46 on Thursday, 13 August 2026.