Riyadh: The first round of the Kings League MENA kicks off today in Riyadh and runs through October 30, marking the start of the competition's first full league season with 10 teams representing fan communities across the Arab world. Hosted at the Cool Arena in Boulevard City, the competition has expanded from the eight teams that contested the inaugural Kings Cup MENA in 2025. The current lineup comprises 10 teams from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan, competing across nine league rounds ahead of knockout stages that culminate in a Final Four showdown.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Kings League MENA Managing Director Wael Al-Fayez said the tournament blends authentic athletic competition with digital culture and content creators, catering to modern sports consumption habits while keeping high-intensity football action on the pitch. The competition features prominent regional streamers and digital creators. Saudi Arabia is represented by defending regional champion "DR7" alongside newcomers "RA2 FC" and "Rising Peaks." Qatar is represented by "ABO FC," Kuwait by "FWZ," Egypt by "Turbo," Morocco by "Ultra Chmicha" and "Bakhira FC," and Jordan by "3BS" and "Red Zone."

Opening-round fixtures include Ultra Chmicha vs. Turbo, Rising Peaks vs. ABO FC, and an all-Jordanian derby between 3BS and Red Zone, followed by RA2 FC vs. Bakhira FC. The round concludes with a rematch of the 2025 Kings Cup MENA final between DR7 and FWZ.

The tournament begins with a single round-robin phase where all 10 teams play each other once. The top-ranked side secures direct qualification to the semi-finals, while the remaining three spots will be decided through quarter-final playoffs (second versus seventh, third versus sixth, and fourth versus fifth). The season concludes on October 30, with both semi-finals and the grand final held that day at the Cool Arena.