RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, November 7, 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals has encountered another unexpected pause after the Saudi Pro League postponed its entire Matchweek 13, canceling the originally scheduled November 5–7 fixtures while administrators review the domestic calendar following the rescheduling of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Al Nassr’s visit to Al Hazem, Al Ittihad’s home meeting with NEOM SC and Al Fateh’s clash against Al Riyadh were among nine matches affected. All three fixtures originally scheduled for Friday, November 6, were postponed rather than played to goalless draws, and the league has not announced their replacement dates.
The decision, confirmed by the Saudi Pro League on November 3, followed the Asian Football Confederation’s announcement that the 2027 Asian Cup would move from January 7–February 5, 2027, to December 23, 2027–January 21, 2028. Regional security developments, travel disruption and logistical difficulties prompted the continental change. For the domestic league, the delay provides an opportunity to redistribute fixtures, protect recovery periods and address previous scheduling complications. But it also interrupts a compelling championship race involving Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, while raising fresh questions about the timing of rearranged games and the demands facing internationally active players.
Saudi Pro League Matchweek 13: All Nine Games Postponed
The most important clarification for supporters is that none of the scheduled Matchweek 13 fixtures took place.
Several automated results services displayed postponed matches alongside 0-0 placeholders. Those figures must not be interpreted as actual results.
No goals were scored in these unplayed fixtures, no clean sheets were recorded and no points were awarded.
The suspension affects the entire scheduled round, not just matches involving the league’s most prominent clubs.
Complete Postponed Matchweek 13 Fixture List
| Original Date | Fixture | Official Status | Replacement Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 5 | Al Kholood vs Al Khaleej | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 5 | Abha vs Al Shabab | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 5 | Al Qadsiah vs Al Fayha | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 6 | Al Fateh vs Al Riyadh | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 6 | Al Hazem vs Al Nassr | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 6 | Al Ittihad vs NEOM SC | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 7 | Al Faisaly vs Al Diriyah | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 7 | Al Ettifaq vs Al Hilal | Postponed | Not announced |
| November 7 | Al Ahli vs Al Taawoun | Postponed | Not announced |
Three fixtures had been assigned to each day, creating a nine-match program across Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
That entire schedule has been removed from its original dates.
The Saudi Pro League’s official November 3 announcement confirms the postponement and explains the intention to conduct a wider calendar review.
The league has not identified an automatic points award, forfeiture or replacement score for any affected club.
Why Did the Saudi Pro League Postpone Matchweek 13?
The immediate trigger was the Asian Football Confederation’s decision to move the 2027 Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia had been preparing to host the continental championship between January 7 and February 5, 2027.
Following consultation with the local organizing committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the AFC announced a revised tournament window beginning December 23, 2027.
The new dates extend into January 2028.
That adjustment removes the originally planned Asian Cup interruption from the January–February 2027 domestic calendar.
For Saudi league administrators, the change creates room to reconsider when domestic fixtures should take place.
The postponement of Matchweek 13 forms part of that wider review rather than being attributed to a problem with any one match or stadium.
The AFC’s official announcement of the Asian Cup’s revised dates confirms the continental decision.
Asian Cup 2027: Original Dates vs Revised Dates
| Scheduling Item | Original Plan | Revised Position |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament opening | January 7, 2027 | December 23, 2027 |
| Tournament final | February 5, 2027 | January 21, 2028 |
| Host country | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia |
| Competition identity | AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 | Name retained |
| International approval | Original competition calendar | Revised dates to be presented to FIFA for approval |
| Effect on domestic league | January–February calendar interruption anticipated | Greater flexibility for fixture redistribution |
The tournament has been postponed, not canceled or transferred to another host.
Saudi Arabia remains responsible for staging the competition.
The Sports Encounter previously examined the decision in its comprehensive report on the Asian Cup postponement, new dates and operational implications.
That earlier development explains why the domestic league’s latest fixture changes extend beyond ordinary match rescheduling.
Why Was the Asian Cup Moved in the First Place?
The AFC cited exceptional regional circumstances, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruption.
Recent attacks in Saudi Arabia have complicated preparations for major international sporting events.
In October, an attack on Riyadh’s international airport caused deaths and injuries, with the incident contributing to wider concerns about transport and event operations.
The organizers subsequently concluded that the original Asian Cup schedule could not be maintained under the prevailing circumstances.
Those developments have affected more than soccer.
Other competitions scheduled in Saudi Arabia have also encountered disruptions.
For example, FIFA postponed its FIFAe Finals events originally scheduled for Jeddah.
Our investigation into the FIFAe Finals postponement examined how travel, security and logistics affected international sporting events in the country.
However, the causes of individual competition changes should not be treated as identical without supporting evidence.
The Saudi Pro League specifically described its Matchweek 13 decision as part of a calendar review prompted by the Asian Cup’s revised dates.
That is different from claiming that an attack directly prevented each individual fixture from being played.
Al Hazem vs Al Nassr: Ronaldo’s 1,000-Goal Pursuit Put on Hold
Al Nassr’s postponed visit to Al Hazem is the highest-profile fixture affected by Friday’s cancellation.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been expected to continue his Saudi Pro League campaign after announcing his retirement from international football on November 5.
The 41-year-old remains under contract with Al Nassr despite ending his career with Portugal.
His club ambitions include continuing the pursuit of 1,000 senior career goals.
Al Nassr’s scheduled meeting with Al Hazem would have offered another opportunity to add to that tally.
Instead, the league postponement means his next potential league appearance must await the resumption of fixtures.
Ronaldo’s Latest Scoring Milestone
Ronaldo scored a hat trick in Al Nassr’s 5-3 victory over Al Kholood on October 29.
That performance moved his widely reported senior career total to 985 goals, leaving him 15 short of 1,000.
His latest milestone followed an October campaign in which he continued to contribute decisive goals for the defending champions.
The Sports Encounter covered his earlier progress in its report on Ronaldo’s 980th career goal against Diriyah.
At that stage, Ronaldo had 20 goals remaining before the four-figure milestone.
His subsequent scoring reduced the gap.
That progression was also examined in TSE’s comparison of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s race toward 1,000 goals.
Those earlier reports represent historical milestones rather than current November 7 totals.
Why the Cancellation Matters for Ronaldo’s Club Career
The significance of the postponement extends beyond a missed opportunity to score.
Ronaldo has just retired from Portugal’s national team after 234 international appearances and 146 goals.
That decision has changed the demands on his professional schedule.
He will no longer be preparing for Portugal’s November UEFA Nations League fixtures as a national-team player.
However, he still needs competitive rhythm, physical preparation and regular opportunities at club level.
The Sports Encounter’s report on Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal examined the distinction between his international departure and continuing Al Nassr career.
The postponed Al Hazem match creates an additional break in his domestic schedule.
Whether that benefits his recovery or disrupts his match rhythm will depend on subsequent training and performance evidence.
Al Nassr’s Title Challenge: Why the Missing Fixture Matters
Al Nassr entered the affected round involved in a highly competitive race near the top of the Saudi Pro League.
The defending champions have remained in contention through goals from Ronaldo and important contributions from their other attacking players.
However, the league’s recent schedule has become increasingly uneven.
Previous postponements already meant some clubs had played more matches than others.
Matchweek 13 adds another complication.
A team can appear to have fallen behind in the standings simply because rivals have played more fixtures.
That does not mean the missed matches represent guaranteed future points.
Al Nassr still need to win when those fixtures are eventually played.
What Does the Postponement Change for Al Nassr?
| Area | Immediate Effect | Unresolved Question |
|---|---|---|
| League points | No additional points awarded | When can Al Nassr collect points from the rearranged fixture? |
| Ronaldo’s goals | No opportunity to score against Al Hazem on November 6 | When will his next competitive appearance occur? |
| Squad recovery | Originally scheduled match removed | How will the revised workload be distributed? |
| Championship standings | Existing points unchanged | Will rescheduled matches create games in hand? |
| Continental obligations | Separate competition schedule remains relevant | How will league games fit around Asian commitments? |
The most important calculation is simple: postponement is not defeat, victory or a draw.
Al Nassr cannot be awarded one point for a fictional 0-0 result, nor can Al Hazem claim a clean sheet from an unplayed fixture.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s official Al Nassr match listing records the meeting with Al Hazem as delayed.
Al Ittihad vs NEOM SC: A Valuable Opportunity Lost for Both Teams
Al Ittihad’s scheduled home match against NEOM offered a different kind of storyline.
The Jeddah club has been attempting to remain competitive with the leading teams while maintaining consistency across an increasingly demanding schedule.
NEOM, meanwhile, has demonstrated that its first season among the leading Saudi clubs is capable of producing unexpected results.
Their scheduled meeting would have provided an important examination of both squads.
For Al Ittihad, a victory could have strengthened its position among the contenders.
For NEOM, points away against an established rival would have provided further evidence of its competitiveness.
Neither opportunity materialized on November 6.
Why Al Ittihad’s Recent Form Matters
Al Ittihad have experienced a season of demanding fixtures and fluctuating results.
Earlier in the campaign, Steven Bergwijn scored a hat trick to secure a difficult 3-2 victory against Al Hazem.
The Sports Encounter’s report on Bergwijn’s three-goal performance demonstrated how an individual attacking contribution could rescue Al Ittihad from a difficult game.
Those narrow victories are important because championship races are rarely decided exclusively by convincing performances.
Teams also need to collect points when their overall display is less convincing.
Al Ittihad’s challenge following the postponement will be to preserve rhythm without assuming the rearranged NEOM match will be straightforward.
NEOM’s Competitive Progress Deserves Attention
NEOM have already produced impressive results against established opponents.
They also experienced difficult matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Al Ettifaq in October.
That encounter was decided by Abdullah Al-Khateeb’s late winner despite NEOM producing more attempts and enjoying spells of territorial control.
TSE examined the result in its report on NEOM’s defeat, Al Ettifaq’s efficiency and other Saudi Pro League developments.
NEOM’s season illustrates why predicted results should not replace actual competition.
The team can trouble stronger opponents but remains vulnerable when it fails to convert opportunities.
The postponement has delayed another important test of that balance.
Al Fateh vs Al Riyadh: Why the Cancellation Matters Near the Bottom
While the attention surrounding Ronaldo and Al Ittihad is understandable, the postponed Al Fateh-Al Riyadh fixture carried important implications elsewhere in the standings.
Al Fateh have spent much of the season attempting to build consistency after a difficult start.
One of their most memorable performances came against Al Hazem on October 15.
Mourad Batna scored in stoppage time as Al Fateh recovered from two deficits to win 3-2.
The victory was their first in the league that season.
Our detailed match report on Batna’s dramatic winner documented the comeback and the contribution of former Al Fateh player Sofiane Bendebka for Al Hazem.
That earlier match is relevant because it demonstrates the importance of direct encounters between teams seeking to improve their league positions.
Against Al Riyadh, Al Fateh would have had another opportunity to build momentum.
Instead, both teams must await a replacement date.
Al Riyadh’s recent results also indicate that they cannot be treated as an automatic source of points for opponents.
In September, Diriyah defeated Al Fateh 2-1, with Darwin Núñez and Adil Boulbina scoring for the visitors.
The match, analyzed in TSE’s report on Diriyah’s attacking approach against Al Fateh, demonstrated the pressure on the club’s defensive organization.
That weakness must be addressed whenever the Al Riyadh fixture is rearranged.
Why the Entire Saudi Title Race Could Be Affected
Postponing a complete matchweek affects every participating club, but the competitive consequences may not be identical.
Teams have different continental obligations, international-player commitments and injury situations.
Some may benefit from additional recovery time.
Others may face a more congested schedule later in the season.
The final effect will depend on where the league places the nine postponed fixtures.
One possibility is that matches are redistributed across previously less congested dates.
Another is that some teams face tighter sequences later in the campaign.
Neither scenario has been confirmed as the league’s final arrangement.
What Does the Postponement Mean for Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah?
Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah have been central to the title race.
Al Hilal reclaimed the league lead with a 3-2 victory over Al Qadsiah in October.
The encounter featured an important late contribution from the eventual winners and demonstrated the narrow margins separating the leading clubs.
The Sports Encounter covered that contest and the wider results in its October 23 Saudi Pro League report.
Al Qadsiah had earlier moved into first place after Mateo Retegui recovered from a missed penalty to help beat Abha 2-1.
That result was analyzed in TSE’s account of Retegui’s recovery and Al Qadsiah’s title challenge.
Now both clubs face another interruption.
Al Qadsiah’s scheduled meeting with Al Fayha was postponed.
Al Hilal’s planned visit to Al Ettifaq was also removed from the original calendar.
The competitive consequences remain conditional because neither team has played its affected fixture.
Why the Calendar Review Could Benefit Player Welfare
The Saudi Pro League has emphasized the importance of balancing fixtures and protecting adequate recovery periods.
That objective matters because many leading players participate in domestic, continental and international competitions.
For those involved in multiple tournaments, the challenge extends beyond the ninety minutes played in a match.
Travel, recovery sessions, tactical preparation and physical conditioning all require time.
A congested calendar can also complicate the management of minor injuries and fatigue.
Those concerns do not prove that every player would have suffered harm under the original schedule.
They explain why administrators may consider a revised distribution of fixtures desirable.
What Must the League Balance During Rescheduling?
| Consideration | Why It Matters | Potential Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Player recovery | Allows appropriate intervals between competitive matches | Excessive match congestion |
| Continental competitions | Clubs may have AFC commitments | Conflicting travel and preparation demands |
| International windows | Players may represent national teams | Reduced availability and uneven preparation |
| League balance | Teams should complete their scheduled matches | Large differences in games played |
| Broadcast agreements | Television partners need dependable schedules | Reduced certainty for programming and promotion |
| Supporter travel | Fans require reliable dates | Travel and accommodation disruption |
| Venue availability | Stadiums must accommodate rearranged games | Scheduling conflicts |
The league has announced plans to consult clubs before finalizing the revised calendar.
That consultation is important because a schedule benefiting one team may create difficulties for another.
The objective should be a competitive structure in which clubs understand their obligations and have sufficient preparation time.
What Happens to League Points When a Match Is Postponed?
A postponement means the fixture has not produced a competitive result.
Under the normal league system, a win earns three points, a draw earns one and a defeat earns none.
However, those points are awarded after a match is played or another formally authorized competition decision establishes an outcome.
None of the nine Matchweek 13 fixtures has been assigned a result through the postponement announcement.
Postponed Match vs. Played Match: The Difference
| Match Status | Result | League Points |
|---|---|---|
| Played, home team wins | Official score recorded | 3 home, 0 away |
| Played, away team wins | Official score recorded | 0 home, 3 away |
| Played, draw | Official score recorded | 1 each |
| Postponed, awaiting new date | No result | No new points awarded |
This distinction is essential for accurate standings and match reporting.
It would be incorrect to report Al Hazem 0-0 Al Nassr as a completed draw.
The same applies to Al Fateh against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad against NEOM.
There were no match events, goalkeepers’ clean sheets or individual performances to analyze.
When Will the Postponed Saudi Pro League Matches Be Played?
The league has not announced confirmed replacement dates for Matchweek 13.
Its November 3 communication stated that new dates would follow the calendar review and consultation with the clubs.
That means the correct publication status is awaiting rescheduling.
Some other league fixtures remain listed for November 20 onward, but those listings should not be interpreted as new dates for the postponed round.
For example, Al Nassr’s next currently listed league fixture is against Al Qadsiah on November 20.
That match is separate from the postponed trip to Al Hazem.
Any adjustment to the future calendar must be checked against updated competition announcements.
How Will the Calendar Changes Affect the Rest of the Saudi Season?
The Asian Cup postponement creates an unusual opportunity for the league to reshape its fixture distribution.
The original national-team tournament would have occupied almost a month during January and February 2027.
Moving it to December 2027 creates additional space within that earlier period.
However, opening a potential scheduling window does not automatically resolve every domestic complication.
Clubs have continental commitments, international breaks and existing league fixtures to accommodate.
Stadium and broadcasting arrangements must also be considered.
The Saudi Pro League will need to determine whether the available dates can support a balanced recovery schedule across the full competition.
The decision should also account for games already postponed earlier in the season.
If those fixtures are added without careful coordination, the overall schedule could become more uneven even while the league attempts to solve the current problem.
Why the November 3 Decision Matters Beyond Saudi Arabia
The postponement demonstrates how international tournament decisions can influence domestic competitions almost immediately.
The AFC changed the Asian Cup dates after consulting the relevant organizing bodies.
On the same day, the Saudi Pro League announced that its upcoming matchweek would be rescheduled.
The connection illustrates the interdependence of the international and club calendars.
A national-team tournament can affect player availability, domestic scheduling, television commitments and the timing of other competitions.
When its dates change, associated competitions may need to reconsider established plans.
For Saudi Arabia, the situation carries additional significance because the country is preparing for major future international sporting events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The successful management of schedule changes will form part of the broader challenge of delivering complex sporting competitions under changing circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Pro League Matchweek 13
Did Al Hazem draw 0-0 with Al Nassr on November 6?
No. The fixture was postponed. The teams did not play, and no official score was recorded.
Did Al Ittihad draw 0-0 against NEOM?
No. Al Ittihad’s scheduled home fixture against NEOM was postponed before kickoff.
Did Al Fateh and Al Riyadh play to a goalless draw?
No. Their November 6 meeting was postponed and awaits a replacement date.
Why was Saudi Pro League Matchweek 13 postponed?
The league announced a broader calendar review after the AFC moved the 2027 Asian Cup to December 2027 and January 2028.
How many Saudi Pro League matches were postponed?
All nine scheduled Matchweek 13 fixtures, originally set for November 5–7, 2026.
When will Al Nassr play Al Hazem?
A new date has not been announced in the official postponement notice.
When will Al Ittihad face NEOM?
The fixture awaits rescheduling. The league has not confirmed a replacement date.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo retired from Al Nassr?
No. His November 5 announcement concerned international football with Portugal, not his Al Nassr club career.
How many goals does Ronaldo need to reach 1,000?
Following his October 29 hat trick against Al Kholood, his widely reported senior career total stood at 985, leaving 15 goals to reach 1,000.
When is the AFC Asian Cup now scheduled?
The AFC announced December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, as the revised tournament window, subject to the relevant approval process.
Will Saudi Arabia still host the Asian Cup?
Yes. Saudi Arabia remains the designated host under the revised schedule.
Were clubs awarded points for their postponed matches?
No. The postponement announcement did not award points or assign match results.
What happens to supporters who planned to attend?
Ticket and travel arrangements depend on the relevant clubs, ticket providers and service terms. Supporters should consult official club announcements rather than assume an automatic refund or transfer.
When will Al Nassr play next?
The next currently listed Saudi Pro League fixture is against Al Qadsiah on November 20, subject to any further schedule changes.
The Sports Encounter Verdict: A Necessary Calendar Reset Creates Another Test for Saudi Football
The Saudi Pro League’s decision to postpone Matchweek 13 has interrupted several compelling sporting storylines.
Ronaldo must wait for another opportunity to move closer to 1,000 career goals.
Al Nassr have lost a scheduled chance to collect points in the title race.
Al Ittihad and NEOM must wait to test their competing ambitions.
Al Fateh and Al Riyadh have seen another potentially important fixture removed from the immediate calendar.
Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah are also affected, ensuring that the implications extend across the championship race.
But the decision must be understood in its correct context.
The fixtures were postponed because the league is reviewing its calendar following a significant change to the Asian Cup schedule.
They were not played, they produced no goals and they did not change the points standings.
The next responsibility belongs to the competition administrators.
They must establish replacement dates, consult clubs, consider player recovery and reduce unnecessary uncertainty for supporters and broadcasters.
The Asian Cup’s move to December 2027 provides additional flexibility, but it does not eliminate the practical complexity of a league whose leading teams have substantial international obligations.
For the clubs, the sporting challenge remains unchanged: points can only be earned when the fixtures are eventually completed.
For supporters, the most important development to follow is the release of an officially revised Matchweek 13 schedule.
Until then, the correct score for each postponed match is no score at all.