Saudi League Postpones Matchweek 13 Fixtures
The Saudi Pro League has postponed all Matchweek 13 games while it reviews the 2026-27 season schedule.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Soccer
The Saudi Pro League postponed every Matchweek 13 fixture as part of a review of its 2026-27 season calendar. The league said new dates will be announced once the review and a calendar agreement are complete.
Why it matters
The postponement follows the Asian Football Confederation's move of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December 2027, and the league says the changes aim to create a more balanced calendar with adequate player recovery time. No replacement date has yet been confirmed for Al-Nassr's match against Al-Hazem.
Portugal has won its first four UEFA Nations League group matches, and Cristiano Ronaldo's upcoming availability depends on a 30-day suspension and fine from the Portuguese Football Federation. Whether he will be included in Portugal's squad for November fixtures has not been confirmed.
The players
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal's longtime captain and one of the most decorated players in football history, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Pro League
The top professional football division in Saudi Arabia, which runs the domestic league competition and sets its fixture calendar.
Portuguese Football Federation
The governing body of football in Portugal, which imposed the suspension and fine on Ronaldo and manages the national team.
Asian Football Confederation
The continental governing body for football in Asia, which moved the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December 2027.
The details
The league is holding a workshop with clubs to discuss proposed adjustments before confirming the revised calendar. Separately, Ronaldo left the Portugal squad after being left out of the starting lineup against Norway, and he has since been named in Portugal's preliminary squad list.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: Portugal announces its squad for Nations League fixtures.
November 14, 2026: Portugal hosts Denmark in Braga.
November 17, 2026: Portugal faces Wales.
November 20, 2026: Al-Nassr plays Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
Season Trajectory
The Saudi Pro League's Matchweek 13 postponement is a direct consequence of the AFC moving the 2027 Asian Cup into December 2027, which forces the domestic calendar to be reworked. Clubs with postponed fixtures, including Al-Nassr, face uncertain scheduling for the remainder of the season.
Fantasy managers and fans following Al-Nassr should note that the postponed Al-Hazem match leaves a gap in the club's league schedule with no replacement date yet confirmed. Ronaldo's availability for Portugal depends on whether his 30-day suspension has expired before the November squad is named.
The takeaway
Schedule changes like these can ripple through club and national team calendars for months, so fans should watch official league announcements before planning around specific fixture dates.
What happens next
Portugal announces its Nations League squad on November 6, and Al-Nassr plays Al-Qadsiah on November 20, when the league's revised schedule may begin to take shape.
Further reading
For more on league schedules and competition calendars, see our Soccer coverage.
