Al Kholood make history, face Al Hilal in King's Cup final

Al Kholood and Al Hilal will meet in this season’s King’s Cup final after both came through dramatic penalty-shootout wins on Wednesday night.

Al Kholood, used to creating history given they are the first foreign-owned club in the Roshn Saudi League, saw off defending champions Al Ittihad 5-4 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 in 90 minutes and then 2-2 in extra-time.

Goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cozzani was the hero in the shootout, the Argentine saving Moussa Diaby’s penalty for the Harburg Group-owned Al Kholood to reach a first King Cup’s final.

In the other semi-final, Al Hilal defeated fellow RSL title challengers Al Ahli also on penalties, that encounter finishing 1-1 in normal time.

After a goalless additional 30 minutes, Al Hilal prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, Yassine Bono saving twice - including from 2025-26 RSL top scorer Ivan Toney - before Theo Hernandez converted his spot-kick to send Al Hilal into the showpiece.