Title duels, derbies & debutants: 10 matches to watch in early RSL | OneFootball

Get your calendars out and have your pens at the ready - the fixtures for the upcoming 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League season are here.

And, with only two weeks to kick-off, we’ve already done some of the work for you. So, circle in your diary these must-watch matches from the first half of the campaign... you won’t be disappointed!

Diriyah Club vs Al Ahli (Matchweek 1)

History will be created on the opening night of the season when Diriyah Club become the latest team to make their RSL debut - and they face a daunting start against title contenders Al Ahli.

Buoyed by a strong 2025-26 and some top-notch summer signings, Matthias Jaissle’s back-to-back Asian champions will be aiming to launch their title charge on a winning note. And, thus, spoil the party for new Diriyah manager Bruno Lage and his team.

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Al Qadsiah vs Al Ittihad (Matchweek 2)

The first clash between two expected title challengers, all eyes will be on Al Khobar for this one. After the mid-season arrival of Brendan Rodgers last term, Al Qadsiah finished the campaign as one of the most in-form teams in the league. So they head into the new season with silverware their focus.

So, too, do Al Ittihad, who are hoping the appointment of manager Jens Wissing can turn around their fortunes after their frustrating title defence last season.

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Al Hilal vs Al Ahli (Matchweek 3)

The heavyweight clashes keep coming in Matchweek 3, with Al Ahli visiting Riyadh to take on the might of Al Hilal.

Despite outstanding campaigns last time out - RSL runners-up Al Hilal went undefeated throughout the 2025-26 season - both came up short in the fight for top-flight honours with Al Nassr.

With second versus third from last term in direct battle, this will be an early-season test for both sides as they look to establish their title credentials early.

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Al Ittihad vs Al Nassr (Matchweek 5)

Not only is this another early heavyweight bout, this one pits against each other the past two RSL champions.

After last season’s disappointing defence, Wissing’s Al Ittihad will have something to prove against the reigning champions, now helmed by former Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou. The Australian will be hoping to continue where Jorge Jesus left off in May.

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Al Qadsiah vs Al Ettifaq (Matchweek 7)

The first Eastern Derby of the campaign, this one needs little explaining - because there’s more than just local bragging rights on the line here. Al Qadsiah are out for revenge also.

After the arrival of Brendan Rodgers in December, the Al Khobar outfit lost only one of their next 25 games to season end - but that came against Al Ettifaq in the second Eastern Derby of 2025-26.

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Al Hilal vs Al Ittihad (Matchweek 8)

One of the showpiece fixtures of every RSL season is the Saudi Clasico, which pits against each other the two most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal versus Al Ittihad. Riyadh versus Jeddah.

This clash always delivers, be in on the pitch and off, where some of the most amazing displays of Saudi football fandom is on offer.

Given the stature and objectives of both clubs, three points here often matter that much more. And coming with the season already a few months in, this could shape the outlook for the title race.

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Al Fayha vs Al Faisaly (Matchweek 12)

For the first time in six years, the Majma’ah Derby returns to the RSL after Al Faisaly arrive back in the top tier after suffering relegation in 2020-21.

But it was the season prior, in 2019-20, that the most recent Majma’ah Derby took place, with Al Fayha, despite getting relegated that season, able to crow loudest thanks to a 2-1 triumph courtesy of a last-minute winner.

Six years later, Al Faisaly finally have their chance to get that one back.

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Al Ittihad vs Al Ahli (Matchweek 15)

Speaking of inter-city rivalries, they don’t come much bigger than the Sea Derby between Jeddah’s two top teams.

Interestingly, this is also the first meeting of Wissing and Jaissle, the two 38-year-old Germans on either side of the Jeddah divide. Both born in what was then West Germany, both had their careers cut short through injury, and both of whom spent time at Red Bull Salzburg - the similarities between the two are striking.

As if this high-stakes affair needed any more intrigue.

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Al Nassr vs Al Hilal (Matchweek 17)

For sure, the build-up will be worth the wait for the first Riyadh Derby of 2026-27. In recent seasons, Al Hilal have had a hold on their crosstown rivals, almost derailing Al Nassr’s title ambitions in the penultimate game of 2025-26.

In what will represent Postecoglou’s first taste of this particular local derby, can he turn the tables and establish Al Nassr as the kings of the capital?

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Al Kholood vs Al Hazem (Matchweek 17)

It’s twice the delight in Matchweek 17, with the Ar Rass Derby also slated for that weekend.

Last season, Al Hazem did the double over neighbours Al Kholood, so Des Buckingham’s side will undoubtedly possess some extra motivation to get the three points. Also, Al Hazem are much changed from last term, with a raft of players leaving the club (check out all our summers transfers HERE).

Arriving at the halfway point of the campaign, three points for either side should be massive in the context of their respective seasons.