Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing today for Al Nassr vs Al Diriyah in 26-27 King Cup of Champions Round of 32?
worldsoccertalk.com · yesterday
Al Nassr face Al Diriyah today, August 18, in the 2026–27 King Cup of Champions, with the big question on why Cristiano Ronaldo won't play. Al Nassr and Al Diriyah meet in the Round of 32 of the 2026–27 King Cup of Champions, and all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for this match. After the starting XI was announced, it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s match against Al Diriyah. The Portuguese star did not feature in his team’s debut for the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League season either. Head coach Ange Postecoglou has decided to give the 41-year-old rest to regain match fitness following the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. Al-Nassr’s confirmed lineup While it is a Round of 32 cup match, Postecoglou deployed a strong starting XI similar to the squad featured in Matchday 1 of the 2026–27 SPL season against Al Fateh. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. Al Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Salem, Simakan, Alamri, Boushal; Coman, Costa, Angelo; Mane, Felix, Hamdan. Al Diriyah’s confirmed lineup As for Al Diriyah, the start of the season did not go as planned following a home defeat against Al Ahli Saudi. The club is aiming to get back on track in the King Cup of Champions. Al Diriyah confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Vasilj; Al Faraj, Djimsiti, Mbemba, Al Obaid; Gueye, Al Malki; Diandy, Rodriguez, N’Koudou, Laborde.
