Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Al-Hilal will host Al-Ittifaq at Kingdom Arena on Thursday, February 13, 2026, seeking to extend their lead atop the Saudi Pro League standings. The match comes on the heels of a dominant 6-0 victory for Al-Hilal over Al-Okhdood, a result that underscored their position as league leaders.
Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal side enters the match level on points with Al-Ahli at 50, and a win would create a three-point separation. The recent performance against Al-Okhdood featured a hat-trick from Karim Benzema in his debut appearance, signaling a potent attacking threat for the Riyadh-based club. Al-Hilal historically holds a commanding head-to-head record against Al-Ittifaq, a factor they will aim to leverage as the title race intensifies.
Al-Ittifaq, currently in sixth place, arrives in Riyadh in decent form and will be looking to upset the league leaders. A victory for Al-Ittifaq would significantly boost their chances of climbing higher in the standings.
The arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal has not been without broader implications for the league. The move reportedly caused friction with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, who has been absent from the team since the transfer. Al-Nassr now trails Al-Hilal by two points in the league table, increasing the pressure on the club to perform.
Benzema is confirmed to start for Al-Hilal against Al-Ittifaq, providing a focal point for the league leaders’ attack. The match promises to be a crucial encounter in the Saudi Pro League season, with significant implications for the title race and the positioning of several key clubs.
