The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially confirmed that the Spanish Super Cup 2026 will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the third time the prestigious tournament returns to the King Abdullah Sports City between January 7-11, 2026. The Alinma Stadium, known as “The Radiant Jewel,” will host all three matches featuring Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Club, with Barcelona defending their title after their dominant 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the 2025 final.
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Tournament Format and Qualified Teams
The Spanish Super Cup 2026 maintains the expanded four-team format introduced in 2020, featuring the top performers from both La Liga and Copa del Rey. This year’s edition presents a unique scenario—the first since the format change where the top two league finishers were also the cup finalists, requiring third and fourth-placed clubs to fill the remaining spots.
Spanish Super Cup 2026 Qualified Teams:
| Team | Qualification Route | League Position | Super Cup Titles | Last Victory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | La Liga Champions & Copa del Rey Winners | 1st | 15 | 2025 |
| Real Madrid | La Liga Runners-up & Copa del Rey Runners-up | 2nd | 13 | 2024 |
| Atletico Madrid | La Liga 3rd Place | 3rd | 2 | 2014 |
| Athletic Club | La Liga 4th Place | 4th | 3 | 2021 |
Barcelona enters as overwhelming favorites, having dominated Spanish football in the 2024-25 season by claiming both major domestic trophies. The Catalan giants are the most successful team in Spanish Super Cup history with 15 titles, followed closely by Real Madrid with 13. Athletic Club brings three championships to their name, while Atletico Madrid has lifted the trophy twice.
Semi-Final Draw and Match Schedule
The Spanish Super Cup 2026 semi-finals feature compelling matchups that promise high-quality football and intense competition. Barcelona will face Athletic Club in one semi-final, while the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid takes center stage in the other.
Spanish Super Cup 2026 Match Schedule:
| Match Type | Fixture | Date | Kick-off Time (CET) | Kick-off Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Final 1 | Barcelona vs Athletic Club | January 7-9, 2026 | 20:00 | 22:00 |
| Semi-Final 2 | Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid | January 7-9, 2026 | 20:00 | 22:00 |
| Final | Winners of Semi-Finals | January 11, 2026 | 20:00 | 22:00 |
The RFEF will conduct a draw to determine the order of the semi-finals, ensuring fairness in scheduling and eliminating any complaints about competitive advantages. All matches will be played at the same venue, creating a festival atmosphere throughout the four-day tournament.
Potential El Clasico Final in Jeddah
The Spanish Super Cup 2026 semi-final draw sets up the tantalizing possibility of an El Clasico final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, should both giants navigate their respective semi-final challenges.
This scenario would recreate the 2025 final, where Barcelona delivered a statement performance with their 5-2 demolition of their eternal rivals.
Recent El Clasico Meetings in Spanish Super Cup:
| Year | Stage | Score | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Final | Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid | Jeddah | Barcelona |
| 2023 | Final | Real Madrid 4-1 Barcelona | Riyadh | Real Madrid |
| 2022 | Semi-Final | Real Madrid 3-2 Barcelona | Riyadh | Real Madrid |
| 2020 | Semi-Final | Barcelona 2-3 Real Madrid | Jeddah | Real Madrid |
An El Clasico final would generate massive global interest, particularly given the intense rivalry’s recent history in Saudi Arabia. The match would attract hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing Spanish football’s premier rivalry on the international stage while providing Saudi Arabia with another prestigious sporting spectacle ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Barcelona holds historical advantage in their matchups with Athletic Club, though the Basque side has proven capable of causing upsets in cup competitions. Meanwhile, the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid promises tactical intrigue, with both teams familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses from their La Liga battles.
King Abdullah Sports City: The Radiant Jewel
The King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, home to the Alinma Stadium, has established itself as a familiar and iconic venue for Spanish football since hosting the inaugural Saudi Arabia edition in 2020. The stadium, affectionately known as “The Radiant Jewel,” boasts a capacity exceeding 60,000 spectators and regularly hosts matches for Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.
The venue previously hosted Spanish Super Cup matches in 2020 and 2025, with last year’s final attracting over 60,000 fans to witness Barcelona’s triumph. The stadium’s modern facilities, excellent sightlines, and atmosphere have received positive feedback from players and officials, making it an ideal location for prestigious international football events.
The 2020 edition saw Real Madrid crowned champions after defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties in an all-Madrid final, while 2025 witnessed Barcelona’s emphatic victory. Now, the Spanish Super Cup 2026 returns to this proven venue, offering another opportunity for memorable moments in Spanish football history.
Saudi Arabia’s Hosting Agreement: Financial Details and Timeline
The Spanish Super Cup’s presence in Saudi Arabia stems from a lucrative long-term agreement between the RFEF and Saudi authorities that has fundamentally transformed the tournament’s format and location. The partnership, initially signed in November 2019, has proven financially transformative for Spanish football.
Spanish Super Cup Saudi Arabia Agreement Timeline:
| Period | Years | Annual Value | Total Value | Host Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Deal | 2020-2022 | €40 million | €120 million | Jeddah, Riyadh |
| First Extension | 2023-2029 | €40 million | €280 million | Riyadh, Jeddah |
| Proposed Extension | 2030-2034 | €40 million (estimated) | €200 million | To be determined |
The agreement reportedly pays the RFEF approximately €40 million annually, with half of this amount distributed to the participating clubs and the other half retained by the federation. This financial arrangement has provided crucial revenue for Spanish football, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional income streams were severely disrupted.
RFEF president Rafael Louzan recently announced intentions to extend the Saudi Arabia agreement until 2034, coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup that year. If realized, this extension would maintain the Spanish Super Cup in the Middle East for another eight years beyond the current contract, potentially generating hundreds of millions of euros in additional revenue.
The tournament’s relocation to Saudi Arabia in January also helps reduce fixture congestion in the Spanish football calendar. Previously played at the season’s start, the mid-season timing allows teams adequate preparation while creating a marquee midwinter spectacle that attracts global attention.
Controversies and Criticism Surrounding Saudi Hosting
Despite the significant financial benefits, the Spanish Super Cup’s relocation to Saudi Arabia has generated considerable controversy and sustained criticism from various stakeholders within Spanish football and beyond. These concerns center primarily on human rights issues, sportswashing accusations, and the impact on Spanish fans.
Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has refused to bid for Spanish Super Cup media rights while the tournament remains in Saudi Arabia, citing opposition to the kingdom’s human rights record, particularly regarding women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues. Jesus Alvarez, head of sport programming for RTVE, specifically mentioned concerns about women’s sports and systematic discrimination as reasons for the boycott.
La Liga president Javier Tebas initially criticized the Saudi deal, highlighting human rights violations and Saudi Arabia’s alleged pirating of European football through broadcaster beoutQ. This criticism was particularly notable given Tebas’s previous advocacy for hosting La Liga matches outside Spain, suggesting the Saudi Arabia arrangement crossed ethical lines he considered unacceptable.
Athletic Club midfielder Raul Garcia articulated fan frustrations in 2022, stating: “Football now is all about making money and finding sponsors. It’s complete nonsense. Maybe I’m old school, but football has changed and the fans have been forgotten.” His comments resonated with supporters who find traveling to Saudi Arabia expensive and logistically challenging compared to attending matches in Spain.
Human rights organization Amnesty International accused the RFEF of “collaboration in this ‘whitewashing’ of the image of Saudi Arabia,” arguing that hosting prestigious sporting events helps the kingdom present a modernized image while systematic human rights abuses continue. The organization noted minimal improvements in treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and ongoing discrimination against women.
The 2025 tournament in Jeddah witnessed incidents that heightened these concerns, with reports of harassment directed at players’ wives and supporters. Despite these controversies, both the RFEF and Saudi authorities have expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, with discussions already underway for extending the agreement beyond 2029.
Economic Impact and Tourism Benefits
Beyond the direct payments to the RFEF, the Spanish Super Cup generates substantial indirect economic benefits for Saudi Arabia through sports tourism, hotel occupancy, and enhanced international profile. The kingdom views hosting prestigious sporting events as integral to its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.
The Spanish Super Cup 2026 is expected to attract thousands of international visitors to Jeddah, primarily from Spain but also from football fans worldwide eager to witness matches featuring some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism infrastructure benefit significantly from this influx, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
For participating clubs, the financial rewards are considerable. Each team receives a portion of the €40 million annual hosting fee, with the champion earning the largest share. This distribution has proven particularly beneficial for smaller clubs like Athletic Club, whose participation provides revenue streams that would be impossible to generate through domestic tournament hosting.
Saudi Arabia’s broader sports investment strategy has attracted criticism as potential “sportswashing”—using sporting events to improve international reputation while diverting attention from controversial domestic policies. The kingdom has invested heavily in Formula 1, golf (LIV Golf series), boxing, WWE, and football, including the Spanish, Italian, Turkish, and French super cups.
Barcelona’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
Barcelona enters the Spanish Super Cup 2026 as reigning champions and overwhelming favorites to defend their crown. The Catalan giants’ dominant 2024-25 season, which saw them claim both La Liga and Copa del Rey, established them as Spanish football’s preeminent force.
Their 2025 final victory over Real Madrid—a comprehensive 5-2 triumph—demonstrated Barcelona’s superiority in stunning fashion. The performance showcased their attacking prowess, tactical flexibility, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations against their greatest rivals.
Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup Recent Record:
| Year | Result | Opponent | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Winner | Real Madrid | 5-2 | Jeddah |
| 2024 | Did Not Qualify | – | – | – |
| 2023 | Runner-up | Real Madrid | 1-4 | Riyadh |
| 2022 | Did Not Qualify | – | – | – |
| 2021 | Runner-up | Athletic Club | 2-3 | Riyadh |
Barcelona’s semi-final opponent Athletic Club presents a challenging but manageable obstacle. While Barcelona holds historical advantage in their matchups, Athletic Club’s cup pedigree and recent Spanish Super Cup success (winning in 2021) demands respect. The Basque side’s physical, direct style contrasts sharply with Barcelona’s possession-based approach, creating tactical intrigue.
Should Barcelona navigate past Athletic Club, they would likely face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the final. A rematch with Real Madrid would offer Barcelona the opportunity to confirm their superiority with another El Clasico victory, while an Atletico Madrid final would present different tactical challenges given Diego Simeone’s defensive expertise.
Barcelona’s 15 Spanish Super Cup titles represent the tournament’s most successful history, and adding a 16th would further cement their domestic dominance. The club’s young stars, combined with experienced leaders, make them formidable favorites for the Spanish Super Cup 2026.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid: The Madrid Derby
The other Spanish Super Cup 2026 semi-final features an intriguing Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. This matchup guarantees one Madrid-based team will reach the final, setting up potential all-Madrid or Madrid versus Barcelona championship deciders.
Real Madrid enters seeking redemption after their humbling 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the 2025 final. Despite finishing as La Liga runners-up and Copa del Rey runners-up, Real Madrid remains one of world football’s most prestigious clubs with 13 Spanish Super Cup titles.
Atletico Madrid qualified for the Spanish Super Cup 2026 by finishing third in La Liga, their lowest qualifying position since the four-team format began. However, Diego Simeone’s side possesses the tactical discipline and big-game experience to threaten any opponent.
The Madrid derby carries unique intensity, with geographical proximity and contrasting football philosophies creating compelling narratives. Real Madrid’s attacking flair and galáctico mentality contrasts with Atletico Madrid’s defensive solidity and underdog mentality, despite both clubs’ significant resources.
These rivals know each other intimately from their La Liga encounters, making tactical surprises difficult. The Spanish Super Cup 2026 semi-final will likely be decided by fine margins—individual brilliance, set-piece execution, or tactical adjustments during the match.
The winner secures a Spanish Super Cup 2026 final berth and the opportunity to claim silverware early in the calendar year. For Real Madrid, victory would represent a step toward recovery from their disappointing 2024-25 season, while Atletico Madrid success would validate their status among Spanish football’s elite despite finishing outside the top two.
Read More: Barcelona Officially Extends Marc Bernal’s Contract Through 2029
FAQs
When and where will the Spanish Super Cup 2026 take place?
The Spanish Super Cup 2026 will be held from January 7-11, 2026, at the King Abdullah Sports City (Alinma Stadium) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the third time the tournament is hosted at this venue.
Which teams qualified for the Spanish Super Cup 2026?
Four teams qualified: Barcelona (La Liga and Copa del Rey winners), Real Madrid (runners-up in both competitions), Atletico Madrid (3rd in La Liga), and Athletic Club (4th in La Liga)—the first time since 2020 that 3rd and 4th placed teams were required.
Will there be an El Clasico in the Spanish Super Cup 2026?
A potential El Clasico final between Barcelona and Real Madrid could occur if both teams win their respective semi-finals. Barcelona faces Athletic Club while Real Madrid meets Atletico Madrid in the last four.
How much does Saudi Arabia pay to host the Spanish Super Cup?
Saudi Arabia pays approximately €40 million annually to host the Spanish Super Cup under an agreement that runs until 2029, with discussions underway to extend the deal through 2034.
Why is the Spanish Super Cup played in Saudi Arabia instead of Spain?
The tournament moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020 following a lucrative financial agreement with the RFEF. The deal generates significant revenue for Spanish football, though it has faced criticism regarding human rights concerns and fan accessibility.
