As Riyadh braces for one of its most anticipated football spectacles, the stage is set for Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal to lock horns in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. The Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal’s dazzling new home, will play host to this high-stakes derby on February 27, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00 PM Mecca time (14:00 EST, 19:00 GMT). The excitement is palpable—not just for the three points at stake, but for the bragging rights and momentum that a derby victory brings.
But this year’s derby narrative is tinged with adversity for Al-Shabab. Just hours before matchday, the club’s media center confirmed the absence of their Brazilian star Carlos Junior. According to the official statement, an untimely injury has sidelined Junior, leaving him unable to reach the technical and physical readiness required for such a fiercely contested encounter. The blow doesn’t end there. Al-Shabab will also be without Unai Hernandez, who has been ruled out due to a similar injury and lack of training participation in recent days. These absences leave coach Noureddine Benzekri with a tactical headache, as he must now recalibrate his approach against the league’s unbeaten leaders.
Benzekri, renowned for his fighting spirit and ability to galvanize his squad, faces perhaps his toughest test yet. With Carlos Junior’s attacking flair and Hernandez’s midfield industry both missing, the “Sheikh of Clubs” will need to dig deep. The coach is expected to double down on tactical discipline and teamwork, hoping to compensate for these forced absences and keep pace with Al-Hilal’s formidable attack. “We know the challenge before us, but this is football—sometimes you have to adapt and find new heroes,” Benzekri reportedly told his staff ahead of the clash.
Al-Hilal, under the stewardship of Simone Inzaghi, enters the derby with the weight of expectation. The blue-clad giants remain unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League this season, but recent draws against Al Ittihad and Al Taawoun have left them with ground to make up on their title rivals, Al Nassr and Al Ahli. Inzaghi’s men will be eager to rediscover their winning touch, especially in front of a home crowd hungry for a statement result.
However, Al-Hilal is not without its own selection woes. Superstar striker Karim Benzema remains sidelined due to injury, robbing the home side of their talismanic presence up front. This absence could open the door for other attacking talents to shine, but there’s no denying that Benzema’s knack for decisive moments will be missed in a fixture of this magnitude.
Historically, Al-Hilal has had the upper hand in this rivalry. The league leaders have won four of the last five meetings, including a narrow 1-0 triumph earlier in the season. Yet, derbies have a way of defying form books, and Al-Shabab’s recent wins over Al-Riyadh and Damac suggest they’re hitting form at just the right time. Yannick Carrasco, in particular, has been a revelation for Al-Shabab this term, notching 13 goals and five assists. His creativity and eye for goal will be crucial if the visitors are to spring an upset.
Al-Shabab’s squad depth will be tested further by the absence of Mohammed Harbush, another key player ruled out through injury. But adversity often breeds opportunity. With several regulars missing, fringe players and rising stars could seize the moment to write their own chapter in Riyadh derby history.
The stakes are immense. Not only does this match carry the weight of local pride, but it could also prove pivotal in the league standings. A win for Al-Hilal would reinforce their title credentials and keep them within striking distance of the summit. For Al-Shabab, a positive result would be a massive morale boost in a season marked by inconsistency and injury setbacks.
Fans unable to attend the Kingdom Arena in person need not fret. The match will be broadcast internationally, with live streams available on Fubo in the USA, Network 10 in Australia, FanCode in India, ESPN Africa in Sub-Saharan Africa, Astro in Malaysia, and Thmanyah in the Middle East. For those facing geo-restrictions, VPN services such as ExpressVPN offer a workaround, ensuring fans across the globe can witness every moment of derby drama unfold.
The Riyadh derby is more than just a football match—it’s a cultural event, a celebration of rivalry, and a showcase for the rapid development of Saudi football. With the league attracting international stars and global attention, every fixture feels like a top-tier occasion, and the pressure on players and referees alike is immense. This season, every refereeing decision is scrutinized, every tactical adjustment debated, and every goal cheered with unbridled passion.
Elsewhere in the Saudi Professional League, the action is just as fierce. Al-Ittihad faces Al-Khaleej, while Al-Ettifaq takes on Al-Hazm, both matches also kicking off at 10:00 PM Mecca time. Across Europe, fans can look forward to Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa in the English Premier League, Levante vs. Deportivo Alaves in La Liga, Parma vs. Cagliari in Serie A, Augsburg vs. Cologne in the Bundesliga, and Strasbourg vs. Racing Club de Lens in Ligue 1—a true football feast for every palate.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, anticipation continues to build. Will Al-Hilal’s unbeaten run survive another stern test, or can Al-Shabab, battered by injuries but buoyed by belief, deliver a derby shock? The only certainty is that Riyadh’s footballing faithful are in for an unforgettable night under the lights at Kingdom Arena.
With both teams desperate for points and pride, and with key players missing on both sides, the Riyadh derby promises tension, drama, and perhaps a few surprises. One thing’s for sure: the eyes of the Saudi football world—and beyond—will be firmly fixed on the Kingdom Arena, waiting to see which team will rise to the occasion in this storied rivalry.